Lorain County Community Guide - March 26, 2020

COMMUNITY GUIDE

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LORAIN COUNTY

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, March 26, 2020

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 7, Issue 13

ONE NATION UNDER

QUARANTINE DeWine puts Ohio on war footing, orders closures

Groceries and guns

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Don't get bogged down in the wording, Gov. Mike DeWine said Sunday — a shutdown is a shutdown is a shutdown.

Voice low and serious, he outlined an order from Dr. Amy Acton, head of the state health department, requiring Ohioans to stay at home.

It also closed the few non-essential businesses that had remained open.

Department stores, malls, clothing retailers, many manufacturing plants and auto dealerships were among those forced to close their doors at 11:59 p.m. Monday.

"We are Buckeyes. We are strong. We can get through this," DeWine said.

The orders put Ohioans among the roughly 100 million Americans told to stay home and avoid contact with others to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Rhode Island, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana and a handful of smaller areas across the nation had also been ordered to stay at home as of Ohio's decision.

Statehouse feed

Gov. Mike DeWine delivers the news of Ohio's first death due to coronavirus during a press conference Friday.

CASUALTY REPORT

As of Tuesday, there were 564 confirmed coronavirus cases statewide, 145 hospitalizations and eight deaths in Ohio.

The death total around the globe had reached 18,300 with 411,300 cases reported.

DeWine authorized local health departments and police to enforce his decree.

"This was not designed to be punitive, but it is a health order, not a health suggestion," he said.

There are exceptions — you can still leave home for health and safety, necessary supplies and services, outdoor activity (walks and parks, but the order closed playgrounds) and to take

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care of others.

There are also a slew of businesses that have been deemed too important to close.

They include government agencies, stores that sell groceries and medicine, farms, restaurants (for carryout and delivery), groups that provide social services and charity, gas stations, auto suppliers and repair shops, construction firms, banks and other lenders, hardware stores, trades workers, post offices and shippers, laundry services, business supply stores, transportation companies, home care services, residential facilities and shelters, accounting, insurance, real estate, factories that provide critical materials, hotels and motels and funeral homes.

Organizations that are protected under the First Amendment, including places of worship and the media, cannot be forced to close.

Amid the wide-reaching closures, Acton tried to CLOSURES PAGE A2

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Pandemonium at stores after stay-at-home order JASON HAWK DYLAN REYNOLDS

Grocery stores were bursting at the seams Sunday evening, as Lorain County residents rushed to fill their cupboards with a stay-at-home order by Gov. Mike DeWine looming.

The registers at Grafton Sparkle Market were packed with carts, filled to the brim with milk, bread, cheese, eggs, cans of beans and snacks.

There was no toilet paper, though.

"I hope to find it within the next day," said Linda Stevens of Grafton Township.

"I haven't found any at any store I've been in."

She was happy to find bleach and paper towels so she could disinfect her home — but was worried about her job amid the closures.

Stevens said she is a property manager for a Brunswick apartment complex where 96 families live, and wouldn't be on site to help them through the crisis. "I worry about all of them, too," she said.

"They're like family."

Grafton resident Eric Dayarmin was also hunting for toilet paper at Sparkle.

"We have four rolls left and we can probably make it," he said. "Still, it would be nice to have a little more."

An independent contractor, he was worried about the construction market. He said jobs dried up overnight.

Owner David Wildenhelm said Sparkle has been in his family since the mid1940s, and said the past week had been the busiest in its history.

"The business started up crazy" right after DeWine's closure announcement, he said. "... I don't know what to expect anymore."

His biggest concern was keeping customers separated from each other by at least a few feet as they lined up.

"I've been trying to grapple with some sort of setup to control that better," he said.

At Village Market in Wellington, checkout lines stretched back into the aisles as people loaded up carts.

Manager Laura Hoy said crowded flocked in immediately after the governor's press conference and didn't slow down — but the rush was typical of what she's seen over the past two weeks.

Charles Keating of Wellington left the store with jugs of purified water and baby formula for his five-month-old.

He said he was headed across town to Apples to hunt for essentials he hadn't been able to find.

"The next place is going to be just as crazy or worse," he predicted.

At Apples Market in Elyria, manager David Barker was actually relieved.

He said there had been a mad rush, but "no wild customers" and it seemed shoppers were getting used to life under GROCERIES PAGE A2

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Send legal notices to jyoder@chroniclet.com Submit advertising to chama@chroniclet.com

Steve Manheim | Chronicle

Shoppers rush to fill carts Sunday afternoon at Apples Market in Elyria after Gov. Mike DeWine issued a "stay-at-home" order.

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Tearful Schwartz resigns as Powers principal • B1

It’s anything but ‘business as usual’ right now in Ohio • C1

Fire station addition held up amid election uncertainty • D1

OBITUARIES A2 • CROSSWORD C2 • SUDOKU C2 • CLASSIFIEDS D2 • KID SCOOP D4

Page A2

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

CLOSURES

FROM A1 offer comforting words.

"I don't want you to be afraid," she said. "I am not afraid, but I am determined."

Yet she drove home the seriousness of the crisis Ohio faces, and the lives that are on the line with each decision made — she cited estimates that 2.2 million Americans could die if the proper steps aren't taken with the right timing.

"This is not a joke. This is not a drill," Acton said. "This will help save lives. This is the time that you will see quiet descend on our country — as it should — so we can protect those who protect us."

In DeWine's eyes, it's a war.

Over the past week, he used increasingly militant language to describe efforts to contain the virus.

"We have been attacked by this virus. We're asking our fellow citizens to do extraordinary acts," the governor said last Thursday.

The allusions continued as DeWine quoted a pre-World War II speech by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and painted the pandemic as an "invasion" by a foreign enemy.

"With or without a test, the virus is here, it lives among us and we must be at war with it," he said, his remarks following a move by President Donald Trump to invoke wartime powers.

The first Ohio casualties came Friday, when a coronavirus death was confirmed in Lucas County near Toledo.

The victim was Mark Wagoner, a 76-year-old attorney and prominent Republican, who was well known by DeWine.

The death came as confirmed COVID-19 cases boomed from single digits to 169 in the space of a week, and Wagoner was soon joined by other fatalities in Erie and Cuyahoga counties.

Worldwide, some of the worst devastation was wrought in Italy, where hundreds died each day.

An agonized DeWine said his decisions were aimed at preventing Ohio from experiencing the same scale surge as witnessed in Italy.

Those decisions traded human lives for deep-cutting economic disruption in a horrific balancing act.

"I am fully aware that some of our orders have caused people to lose their jobs... I made those decisions because I felt the evidence was abundantly clear those decisions would save lives, would protect lives," the governor said.

In Lorain County, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases went from seven to 14 between Thursday and Saturday.

Five more were added Sunday, all in Avon Lake.

Covell said the jump wasn't due to some sudden spike in infections, but because testing here ramped up sharply.

"We know this is in all of our communities," he said. "We knew it was going to be here."

Covell has remained in close contact with the presidents of Lorain County's hospitals. Statewide, hospital capacity was around 70 percent, according to Acton.

"For the moment, the capacity is there," Covell said. "... For the moment, we're holding our own. That could change on a dime."

Covell has also been meeting regularly with police and fire chiefs to talk through safety protocols.

His message to them: Assume that everyone who has a cough or flu-like symptoms has the coronavirus.

A section of the Lorain County Public Health offices in Elyria Township has been converted in recent weeks to serve as an incident command center.

One team there works to track down anyone who had been in close contact during the past two weeks with the local patients confirmed to have the virus.

Other units there are assigned to call coronavirus patients for check-ups, answer inbound medical calls and calm the public by providing information.

In a video address released Saturday, Covell said there is no need to be tested if you have light symptoms — assume you are COVID-positive and stay home.

About 80 percent of those who contract the disease will ride it out with mild symptoms. If you develop a high fever or shortness of breath, that's when you want to contact a doctor, he said.

Those of us who remain healthy should check on older neighbors, ask about their health needs and even offer to do some shopping for them to limit their exposure, said Covell.

While practicing social isolation, we're also bound to go a little stir crazy, so Covell recommended going outdoors.

OBITUARY RICHARD "DICK" WILLIAM WIEGAND, 91 A resident of Wellington, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. Arrangements

by Hempel Funeral Home.

LCCC closes Elyria campus, goes online for rest of spring semester JASON HAWK EDITOR

Students will not return to Lorain County Community College buildings for the rest of the semester.

The college had already moved classes online through April 20 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

It announced last week that courses will continue that way through May 15.

The decision was made in light of directives provided by Gov. Mike DeWine, the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit the spread of COVID-19, according Tracy Green, Vice President of Strategic and Institutional Development.

LCCC joins the ranks of other colleges that will not allow students back on campus this spring.

Oberlin College, Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve, John Carroll, Kent State, Miami University, Ohio University, Youngstown State, Ashland University and others are all finishing out the semester online.

Many have also moved to a pass/ fail format due to extenuating circumstances students are wrestling

with during the crisis.

Others have canceled commencement ceremonies. Green said LCCC hasn't made that difficult decision yet.

At the end of business on Friday, LCCC moved all student services and business operations to remote delivery.

The Abbe Road campus in Elyria and all learning outreach centers have been closed to the public and no date is set to re-open the facilities.

That means all events at the Stocker Arts Center and Spitzer Conference Center have also been canceled through May 15.

The closure includes events in the Hoke Theatre, Cirigliano Studio Theatre, Cinema Hall and Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery.

For information on ticket refunds, call 440-366-4040 or visit www. lorainccc.edu/stocker.

Commodores sports have been canceled for the rest of the season.

The National Junior College Athletic Association had already postponed competitions in all sports through April 3 over COVID-19 concerns.

The Commodore Cupboard food pantry will remain open for curbside pick-up only.

A statement from Green said col-

lege leaders will continue to work with local and state officials to determine when it's safe to make them accessible again.

“These are unprecedented times that call for unprecedented actions," said LCCC President Marcia Ballinger. "The decision to move to remote delivery for all courses and services is not one that we made lightly, however we feel strongly that the safety and well-being of our students, our campus and our community needs to remain our guiding principle."

With the health of nearly 15,000 students, as well as hundreds of employees, LCCC needs to "do our part in the fight against this global pandemic and protect all we can,” she said.

The college has formed a leadership task force to monitor the COVID-19 situation and create contingency plans.

“Finding creative ways for continuity of learning throughout this rapidly evolving situation has been incredibly important," Ballinger said. "Our deans and directors, faculty and staff have been working tirelessly to problem solve and transition rapidly to remote delivery of courses and services and I am so proud of their efforts."

$250K FOR SECOND HARVEST In response to the need for food during the health crisis, the Community Foundation of Lorain County is providing $250,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Second Harvest is preparing to address the substantially increased food supply need that will continue through the weeks and likely months ahead.

This need is driven by many

factors, including school closures, job disruptions, lack of paid sick leave, and the coronavirus’ disproportionate impact on seniors, school-age children and families.

“Second Harvest’s mission is to grow hope by creating pathways to nutritious food, and we have never been more committed," said Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.

“During this challenging time, we lift our nonprofit partners.

We acknowledge the people and organizations working on the front lines of the outbreak," said Cynthia Andrews, president and CEO of Community Foundation of Lorain County. "This $250,000 grant will provide critically needed food resources for Lorain County food pantries.”

Her store has received pallets of toilet paper every day, and each time they are sold out within an hour or two.

At the same time, she expressed thanks to faithful shoppers, especially those who volunteered to help sanitize the store.

"All the customers have been very patient, very thankful for limits (on purchases)," she said. "No fist fights, no brawls at our store...

That's the beauty of a small town.

We are so grateful to everyone."

Several local firearms sellers also reported being unusually busy throughout the day Sunday and the past week as a whole.

Tim Husk, owner of Bent Barrel Guns in Grafton, said interest in purchasing guns and ammunition is high.

Some customers visited the shop to buy a certain caliber of ammunition only to find they are getting the last box, he said, or that what they were looking for was not available.

He started getting calls from pro-

spective gun-buyers shortly after 9 a.m. Monday, he said, and they lasted past his shop’s closing time.

While there are still guns available at Bent Barrel, Husk said rifles and pistols are selling fast.

“Right now, the pistols are down to about four in the cabinet, but I'm supposed to have another six come in tomorrow,” he said. “But with the shutdown they may not show.”

One of the biggest motives for gun-buyers is self-defense, Husk said. He added that getting armed is a common response to government mandates like DeWine’s “stay at home” order.

“I didn’t really expect it, but it's not uncommon when government officials start mandating orders to hunker down and things like that,” he said.

Husk said he has seen young people who never owned guns before coming into the shop to purchase in the past few weeks.

“After the virus started spreading, that's when they came in to the doors looking to buy,” he said.

GROCERIES

FROM A1

coronavirus restrictions.

"It's not as busy as it was the first time around, last week," he said.

"It's more orderly now."

Barker said suppliers are also learning, and doing a better job of keeping up with high demand for food and household goods.

Supply has been a problem for Rose Schild, owner of Schild's IGA in Eaton Township.

She said delivery trucks "keep getting a little shorter and shorter every time," causing her shelves to periodically run empty of bread, milk and eggs.

The Sunday rush wasn't the busiest Schild has seen — that was last Monday, after the state shut down dine-in restaurants, gyms, recreation centers, bowling alleys, movie theaters, canceled in-person voting and advised people 65 and older not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

"It's been crazy," she said.

"People are loading up. They're just hoarding baskets of canned goods.

It's craziness."

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SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE C2

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE C2

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GUIDE LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE (USPS 673-960) is published every Thursday, 52 weeks per year by Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company, 225 East Ave., Elyria OH 44035.

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A3

CORONAVIRUS WEEK IN REVIEW Here's a recap of the developments covered in state press conferences throughout the past week: Wednesday, March 18 • Gov. Mike DeWine warned that COVID-19 testing capacity is limited and will probably stay that way, but Ohioans shouldn't fixate on testing. The cast majority of people with symptoms do not need to be tested.

If you are feeling symptoms of the virus, act like you have it, he said. Stay home, and everyone in your household should also stay home. The most responsible, heroic and patriotic thing you can do is stay isolated at home.

If your symptoms worsen, call your health care provider, and if you have difficulty breathing go immediately to the emergency room, said DeWine.

• The Bureau of Motor Vehicles has about a million people go through its doors each month. It was ordered to close at the end of the day — only five will remain open because they are essential.

Those facilities will continue to issue commercial driver's licenses, while others will either close or move operations online.

CDLs must be kept upto-date to keep food and medical supplies moving to where they need to go, DeWine said.

He announced plans to ask the General Assembly to pass a grace period for people who cannot renew their licenses during the closures. Law enforcement will be asked not to write tickets for driving with an expired license, he said.

• Barber shops, salons, spas and tattoo parlors were ordered to close by the end of the day.

All involve services that are high-contact, which increasing the risk of spreading coronavirus.

• DeWine said libraries would not be ordered to close, but each would be left to make the decision independently.

All libraries in Lorain County had already closed

by Wednesday. Those remaining open were asked to deliver services in ways that do not group people closely together.

• Retail, manufacturing, service industry businesses and nonprofits were asked to start taking the temperature of every employee every day before they begin work.

Businesses need to be aggressive in cleaning surfaces and making soap and sanitizers available, DeWine said. If an employee is sick, especially if they have a temperature, send them home, he requested of employers.

• The governor made his first mention of using the National Guard on Wednesday, saying it will be used to offer assistance and relief with lift and transport capacity, and to help hospitals erect tents to isolate patients when space runs low.

Food banks have asked for National Guard help, and will get it, he said.

If you are doing volunteer work or offering valuable community service, observe distancing precautions and do not let gatherings exceed 50 people, he asked of charitable and nonprofit groups.

• There were 88 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 26 hospitalizations as of Wednesday.

Patients' ages ranged from two years old to 91 years old.

• Lt. Gov. Jon Husted warned Ohioans not to panic, saying their finances are safe and banks and credit unions will not be shut down. He said he and DeWine had talked with mortgage lenders and banks, and were looking at new guidance for suspending foreclosures.

Thursday, March 19 • Don't go on spring break. Don't go on that airplane. Don't go to the pub, DeWine pleaded with Ohioans.

People returning to Ohio from Florida are welcome, but "the most prudent thing to do" is stay at home and make sure you're not in contact with people outside your household, DeWine said.

• Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor said the public must have access to the justice system.

She asked all judges in Ohio to keep courts open to address emergency and time-sensitive matters, while safeguarding the health of employees by limiting public access, reducing the need for jury pools, lowering bonds and using summons instead of arrests to limit jail populations.

• The grocery supply chain is doing well, DeWine said, again promising not to close stores where food is purchased.

"You don't have to think the food's going to run out in the grocery store," he said.

• The governor issued an executive order closing all internet cafes.

He said he announced a crackdown on illegal establishments, and said even legal ones invited more than 50 people at a time.

• DeWine said he would ask the General Assembly to weaken the Ohio Open Meetings Act by allowing local officials to make decisions by phone or video conferencing during the emergency.

The press must still be notified of meetings and have access to watch what is going on, he said.

• The Ohio Public Utilities Commission issued a moratorium on electric and gas disconnects through May 1.

• Thermometers were in short supply after DeWine asked all employers statewide to take workers' temperatures and send home workers who have a fever.

• Responding to questions about National Guard activation, DeWine said soldiers are not involved in carrying weapons. "You may see them carrying groceries" and helping at food banks, he said.

• Rumors about martial law or quarantining everyone in their homes are not true, the governor insisted.

• Maureen Corcoran, Director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid, said the governor authorized emergency rules to dramatically expand access to medical and behavioral telehealth services.

That includes services by video, telephone calls, streaming and smart phones.

To use these services, you don't necessarily have to be an established patient with an existing relationship with a doctor.

You can sign up now from your home without having to go to the hospital for consultation.

Help is not limited to physicians, but includes psychologists, social workers, chemical dependency counselors, audiologists, physical therapists, language therapists, dietitians and many other types of health care professionals.

• Ursel McElroy, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, predicted an exponential need for home delivery meals, and for volunteers to help people with changing, bathing and feeding the state's older population.

Friday, March 20 • Ohio suffered its first death from the coronavirus, Mark Wagoner, a prominent attorney in Toledo and a well-known Republican.

DeWine said it's important for us to remember that each time there is a new death, it was someone who was loved, wanted to live longer, someone who was cherished by family and community members.

• DeWine announced an executive order closing senior citizen centers. He asked them to continue providing food through home delivery.

Transportation for seniors will remain a high priority, especially rides to medical appointments, he said.

• DeWine also ordered senior daycare centers that help Ohioans who cannot stay home by themselves to close by the end of business Monday. "Our grave concern is about the danger of those seniors being together," he said.

• Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced an Ohio Department of Insurance order to introduce a grace period for health insurance premiums. It must include the option of deferring premiums without interest for up to 60 days — even if workers' hours are cut.

• Husted said he and DeWine asked President Donald Trump to unlock money in the federal disaster unemployment account to help employees who are currently ineligible.

do anything to help the enemy... This enemy cannot move forward without our help. We need to do everything to defeat it."

• An emergency "control and command center" is being used to coordinate the response to the coronavirus, the governor said.

• Adult day services for people with developmental disabilities — such as Murray Ridge in Lorain County — were closed by executive order, with the exception of settings with 10 of fewer people.

• Acton reported three deaths and more under investigation. They included people in Lucas, Erie and Cuyahoga counties. "I feel like I'm in a war zone," she said.

• Husted announced the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation would make sure businesses can forego payments for March, April and May, and defer them to at least June 1.

graphed the move.

• Daycare centers were ordered to operate only under the restrictions of a special emergency license, with a maximum of six children per room. That order will be in effect through at least April 30.

• DeWine called his orders "reasonable" and "consistent with public health."

Monday, March 23 • According to DeWine, daycare spots will be prioritized for health care workers, firefighters, police, EMTs, adult protection workers, mental health counselors, psychiatrists, nursing home and elder care workers, pharmacists, dentists and other essential professionals.

• The state legislature is back in session this week and is expected to tackle pandemic-related issues.

• State revenues are expected to drop dramatically because businesses are closed. DeWine ordered an immediate hiring freeze in state government. The exception is any position directly needed to fight COVID-19.

• A freeze on new contract services was also made effective immediately. A conference call was scheduled for Monday afternoon with cabinet members to examine budget and spending cuts of up to 20 percent.

"The earlier we start slowing down the spending, the more impact it is going to have," DeWine said.

The pandemic is exactly the type of crisis that was envisioned when Ohio's

Sunday, March 22 • DeWine asked the Ohio General Assembly to take up the issue of state-mandated testing of school children. "I am asking them to forego testing this year," he said.

• The Ohio Board of Pharmacy set out provisions allowing a drug used for malaria to be prescribed for COVID-19.

• Dr. Amy Acton, the head of the state health department, used emergency powers to issue a stay-at-home order for all Ohioans. "There is nothing in that order we have already not been talking about," said DeWine, who in previous days had tele-

rainy day fund was created, he said. Spending alone won't be enough, said DeWine — the state will have to cut expenses.

"There are many, many good things out there that will unfortunately have to take a hit," he said.

• Acton pledged to make more data available each day about hospital capacity and what is being done to maintain services.

• She issued a plea to hospitals to report test results to the ODH and CDC as soon as possible to give the clearest picture of what is happening.

The state doesn't have accurate numbers of how many tests have been done and how many negatives resulted because hospitals aren't reporting them, she said.

• Acton also said Ohio was waiting for desperately-needed shipments of personal protective equipment, and local factories were starting to produce more.

"We're talking small boxes, we're not talking truckloads" of gear, she said.

Tuesday, March 24 • Responding to comments from President Donald Trump about the need to get the economy back up and running, DeWine said he also wants to get people back to work.

“The truth is that protecting people and protecting the economy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, one depends upon the other,” he said. “The fact is that we save our economy, we save our economy by first saving lives.”

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Chief justice: Courts must stay open during emergency JASON HAWK EDITOR

Keeping courts open is essential to democracy, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor said in a plea to judges statewide last Thursday.

She said the judiciary and bar must make sure the public has

access to the justice system, and said the need for consistency among judges is paramount.

Total closure of the courts would present a constitutional issue, O'Connor said.

She called for steps to safeguard the health of employees.

They included limiting public access to judicial offices, suspending sheriff sales, reducing

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Lorain County commissioners voted unanimously last Wednesday to declare a state of emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The declaration could open residents and businesses to federal and state aid, both for employment and economic reasons.

Commissioners also delegated emergency administrative authority to County Administrator Jim Cordes. It will allow him to "perform any or all functions conferred or incumbent upon the board of county commissioners in the case of a disaster or emergency, provided that the board, by resolution, has delegated the specific functions or all of the functions to the administrator."

Giving emergency authority to Cordes is something commissioners typically also do at year's end when the holidays alter their meeting schedule, board members said.

Any emergency authority granted Cordes is "very limited in the language," Assistant Prosecutor Gerald Innes, the board's legal counsel, said.

PROBATE COURT

The Lorain County Probate Court on the sixth floor of the Justice Center in Elyria remains open, but no one — including attorneys — is allowed to enter the office, Judge James Walther announced last week.

Marriage licenses are still being issued, and filings may take place by mail, email or fax. New cases cannot be filed by fax or email.

Entries and time-stamped copies will be returned by mail. Entries needed sooner can be faxed or emailed to attorneys offices and all documents currently in an attorney’s individual mailbox will be mailed to that attorney.

Attorneys and the public also are asked not to show up at court unannounced, and to contact the court for instructions in an emergency.

Additionally, a sign on the door of the Lorain County Adult Probation Department asks that only the person under supervision of probation enter the building at this time. Family and friends are asked to remain outside the building.

the need for jury pools, lowering bonds and using summons instead of arrests to limit jail populations.

Wherever possible, hearings should be held by video to limit person-to-person contact, said O'Connor The Ohio Supreme Court announced it would release $4 million in grant funds to help local

courts buy video conferencing equipment if they already do not have it.

The time frame for preliminary hearings on felony charges or indictments can be extended during an emergency, according to O'Connor.

She asked judges to issue orders detailing reasonable grounds for continuances, which she said

COMMON PLEAS COURT

Lorain County Common Pleas Court judges have announced restrictions on hearings and the public at the Justice Center in Elyria.

The court is closed to the general public and remains open only for essential functions, Administrator Sherry Clouser announced last Wednesday.

All pending trials are suspended until at least April 13, with all criminal hearings continued "unless exigent circumstances require in-person hearings" with review on a case-by-case basis and an emphasis on hearings involving those currently in jail.

Court staff will minimize contact between all parties, court staff and law enforcement by continuing non-essential hearings or doing them by video or telephone.

All in-person civil proceedings except for emergencies also are suspended until April 13. Some may be conducted by telephone at the discretion of judges.

SHERIFF SALES

Sheriff's sales scheduled for March 25, April 8 and April 22 have all been canceled, and the Lorain County Sheriff's Office has been ordered to return orders of sale without execution.

All other orders of sale issued or filed are stayed for 60 days or until further order of the court, as are all current or future writs of possession.

All mediation department matters and hearings also are suspended until April 13 and will be rescheduled.

FEDERAL COURTS CLOSE

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, including courthouses in Akron, Cleveland, Toledo and Youngstown, are now closed to the public until at least May 1.

“All mass public gatherings are suspended, including, but not limited to, group tours and visits, moot courts and mock trials, bar group meetings, seminars, and naturalization ceremonies,” Chief U.S. District Judge Patricia Gaughan wrote in her order, restricting public access to

should be used to delay all nonessential court appearances and stay foreclosure proceedings.

The chief justice also urged judges to avoid issuing warrants for failure to appear in court.

Perhaps her most controversial request was to release people from jail if they are at a high risk for being infected by COVID-19.

federal courthouses in Northern Ohio.

Only those with official business authorized by a presiding judge may enter courthouse property. Electronic filing of cases may still be done, and initial appearances and arraignments will continue.

No jury trials will start prior to May 1 and any parties to lawsuits or criminal cases are asked to contact their attorneys for scheduling.

Any trial dates currently scheduled through May 1 will be continued, and any scheduled civil matters will be conducted by telephone or video conference.

COUNTY OFFICES

As a precautionary measure against coronavirus, the Lorain County commissioners have closed both the county Records Center in Elyria and Visitors Bureau in Amherst Township until further notice.

FREE CLINIC

The Lorain County Free Clinic is keeping its doors open during the coronavirus pandemic, with changes to its hours of operation.

The new hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The clinic is located at 5040 Oberlin Ave., Lorain.

Call 440-277-7641 for medication refills, information and referrals.

The clinic’s annual wine tasting fundraiser, which had been scheduled for April, has been canceled. “As we follow the guidance of the World Health Organization and Governor DeWine, we feel it is our social responsibility to cancel this event for now with the hope of being able to reschedule this event in the future,” said a message from the clinic.

IN AN EMERGENCY

Law enforcement agencies are continuing to adjust to how they respond to crimes and work with the public as COVID-19 spreads.

Anyone with an emergency should still dial 911.

If it is a medical emergency, dispatchers may ask additional questions to protect first responders from the virus.

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INSIDE: SCHOOLS OPT FOR GAS-POWERED BUSES • B2

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 • SERVING AMHERST SINCE 1919

CORONAVIRUS ‘CUTS’ DEEP

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Beth Schwartz, seen here at the opening ceremony for the new Powers Elementary School, will step down as principal at the end of the academic year.

Steve Manheim | Chronicle

Derek Abraham, owner and stylist, cuts the hair of Bob Brehm at the Chop Shop in Amherst Township on March 18. This was Abraham's last customer before the mandated closings his hair salons and barber shops.

Scramble for last-minute cuts as salons, barbershops forced to close JASON HAWK, LAINA YOST, CARISSA WOYTACH and DYLAN REYNOLDS

Hair salons, barbershops, spas and tattoo parlors statewide were ordered to shut down last Wednesday as the coronavirus continued to take a toll on Ohio.

The executive order by Gov. Mike DeWine left cosmetologists scrambling to call clients and cancel appointments — and to worry about how they will weather a huge financial hit.

We reached out to affected businesses all over Lorain County.

AMHERST "There are five of us here and we're all pretty booked.

Clients are blowing my phone up right now, wanting to know if I can get them in," said Julie Johnson, owner of Do Or Dye Salon on Park Avenue.

She is dreading what will come in the next few weeks, with the loss of income and bill still due.

HAIRCUTS PAGE B2

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Travis Frank, a barber and owner of Ron's Northview Barber Shop, cuts Robert Jelinek's hair on Wednesday, March 18.

Schwartz will tearfully step down from job at Powers JASON HAWK EDITOR

Through tears, Beth Schwartz explained last week how hard it will be to say goodbye.

At the end of July, she will leave her post as principal at Powers Elementary, where she's served for three years.

"It was an incredibly hard decision, but — I am going to cry — I love these Powers kids," she said in a phone conversation after schools statewide closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"I have amazing people I work with and I have incredible people I work with every day."

Caring for 1,000 students every day is demanding.

But Schwartz sometimes the responsibilities of a mother require sacrifices, and her own kids need attention, especially a daughter with health challenges.

In the fall, she will take a new job as a part-time technology integration specialist for the district.

She'll be tasked with helping teachers develop ways to reach young learners using digital devices.

Schwartz is passionate about technology — "I've always been a little bit of a tech nerd, so this goes right along with something I feel I'm good at and capable of," she said.

The change will allow her to still be in education, to still in classrooms and to still see kids every day. It will SCHWARTZ PAGE B2

Police annual report: Traffic, burglaries on the radar JASON HAWK EDITOR

Provided photo

This picture of Ptl. Chris Alten responding to a crash with injuries is included in the Amherst Police Department's annual report for 2019.

Calls to the shopping district along Amherst's northern border kept police busy in 2019, according to an annual report released last week.

It shows 3,438 incidents were tracked along the Cooper Foster Park Road commercial corridor.

Traffic stops — nearly 2,300 of them made up the bulk of police activity in the area.

Chief Joseph Kucirek noted that crashes were down throughout the year.

He plans to deploy a few new electronic speed signs to slow down drivers. The signs also count cars.

"We'll use that data to see if those signs can reduce accidents in our high-crash areas," Kucirek said.

Cleveland Avenue and Route 58 are two high-priority streets where police return time and again for crashes, he said.

The commercial zone along the Lorain border was also a hotspot in 2019 for investigations into thefts and disturbances, the annual report showed.

Enforcement in the area also

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led to a large number of warrant arrests.

Drug overdoses held steady last year, with the largest concentration also around Route 58 and Cooper Foster, which Kucirek chalked up in part to motels.

He said officers continued to use the life-saving anti-opioid drug naloxone to rescue overdose victims just as much as in previous years.

"I don't know what we can do to bring that Narcan use down," Kucirek said. "... I wish I had the miracle answer of how to do that.

It's just so widespread."

POLICE PAGE B2

Page B2

Amherst News-Times

DONE WITH DIESEL: Schools buying four new gas-powered buses JASON HAWK EDITOR

Four new school buses will be added to the Amherst Schools fleet this spring.

They are being purchased from Cardinal Bus Sales for $77,737 each, a price negotiated by the state.

District Superintendent Steve Sayers said he had originally planned to buy two or three buses in July as part of next fiscal year's budget — but there was a chance to take advantage of this year's pricing through the end of March.

The Amherst Board of Education approved the deal just before the coronavirus outbreak closed schools.

At the time, Sayers expected the vehicles to be delivered "by the time we all get back from spring break."

Now there is uncertainty about when classes will resume. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has said on several occasions the school year might be over.

In any case, the new buses will run on gasoline, not diesel.

Sayers said research shows a movement toward gas.

A few years ago, about 80 percent of Ohio school buses were diesel, but the balance has shifted to half and half.

Gas engines have lower maintenance costs. They use seven quarts of oil compared to 22 quarts on a diesel bus, and "obviously, fuel is cheaper for gas than it is for diesel," Sayers said.

The deal also provides a free five-year drive train warranty, which would cost extra on a diesel vehicle.

Sayers told the school board he's not planning to sell any older buses. He and Transportation Director Cathy Gale want a pool of spares to allow more flexibility in scheduling for events such as sports and field trips.

The new school buses will not have seat belts.

The Board of Education has heard a plea in the past year from Avon Lake resident Rudy Breglia, whose School Bus Safety Alliance is petitioning districts all over Northeast Ohio to install three-point harnesses.

CONRADY TO LEAD LODGE

Provided photo

Amherst Native Robert Conrady has been elected worshipful master for Stonington Lodge 503 in 2020. The masonic title is equivalent to president or chair. Conrady will direct all Amherst masonic fraternity activities, including support of a number of community and civic organizations: local high school senior scholarship, Amherst Youth Baseball, Ohio Special Olympics, and Lorain Country Bike Race for Multiple Sclerosis. The masonic fraternity meets on Franklin Avenue and includes men from a variety of ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Learn more at www. stonington503.org.

SCHWARTZ

FROM B1

also allow flexibility to be with her family as needed.

Crying openly, Schwartz said the decision has weighed on her the past year, as it's become apparent her daughter needs more time.

A new principal has not yet been chosen. Schwartz said Assistant Principal Corrie Engle wants to remain where she is, and the job has been posted for internal candidates for at least the next month.

Whoever is entrusted with the principal position will get guidance from Schwartz — and she already has some advice.

The most important job a principal has is to smile, she said.

"We truly are so lucky that we get to have such a huge impact on kids," said Schwartz. "To me, coming to school every day with that smiling face and being that consistent person for kids, so they know I'll greet them with a smile and a hug, is what makes Powers such a happy place."

Thursday, March 26, 2020

HAIRCUTS

FROM B1 Johnson, who has operated the salon the past five years, said she does about 25 color jobs and 30 haircuts a week, and with the Easter holiday on the horizon was heavily booked.

Derek Abraham, who owns the Chop Shop on Leavitt Road, took a surprising view.

With kids at home and a baby on the way, he said closing down business was a good idea, "because I'm not being exposed, and that means I'm not exposing them."

He said staying open isn't worth risking lives.

"It's unfortunate that we can't do what we do, but within six feet of people you're in exposure," Abraham said. "I'm not so much concerned for myself as I am for people I might infect down the line."

The order to close is still a scary one for the Chop Shop, though, he admitted, worrying about making rent and paying the utility bill.

With a little cash saved up, Abraham said he could probably stay closed a month before running into real trouble. "Hopefully it doesn't last that long," he said.

"It's shocking. It sucks," he said.

"But hopefully with these drastic measures we're taking (the spread of the virus) will be a little less aggressive than it has been in other areas of the world."

ELYRIA A running list of appointments Annette Marsico-Rawlings was keeping track of in her book at Francesca’s Unleashed had to be canceled after the end of day.

Marsico-Rawlings, who owns the hair salon, said she expected the governor to close salons, but thought they would have up to the weekend for appointments, she said.

“I feel most bad for the girls,” Marsico-Rawlings said. “Some of them, this is their livelihood.”

Marsico-Rawlings said she’s still thinking through what to do about rent and utility bills. She said they’ve only been there for three years.

“I just need to stay calm and cool,” Marsico-Rawlings said. “Because this is happening to everybody.”

She said she has another full-time job, although she’s not sure if that will outlast the shutdowns either. It’s also not clear how long the shutdown will last, which Marsico-Rawlings said adds to the uncertainty.

“It’s the fear of the unknown, that’s what it is,” Marsico-Rawlings said.

“It’s the fear of the unknown. …

There’s a little bit of consolation that we’re not the only ones, we’re all in the same boat. Hopefully, all the hairdressers will band together.”

Jonathan Little, a co-owner of J & R Hair Services, said he’ll do some work in the Broad Street location and probably file for unemployment.

He said they can last about a month or two months, but he said he’s not sure after that.

“What would you do?” Little said.

“You still gotta pay the bills.”

LORAIN Ralph Mercado, owner of Ohio Exclusive in Amherst and The Spot in Lorain, was supposed to be celebrating the Amherst shop's one-year anniversary Wednesday. Instead, he and the other stylists there were working hard to get their last clients in before the indefinite shut down.

"Any barbershop is going to take a hit because this is how we pay our

bills," he said. "It's how we feed our kids. And the unknown is the worst, because they don't tell you how long it's going to be."

Cutting hair at the Amherst location, he said his phone has been blowing up with calls from barbers at The Spot, as well as clients trying to get in before the end of the day shutdown. Some were able to get appointments moved up, others will have to wait.

While gift certificates would help the shops keep some revenue, Mercado understood if customers were hesitant.

"Are they going to be willing to do something like that, not knowing when they're even going to be able to use it? They may be going through some hard times too because how many people that we cut are servers — they probably don't know how they're going to pay their next bill.

It's the unknown, you know... We're survivors, we're hustlers, we're going to make it but just how — it hasn't sunk in yet exactly how.

Just off Broadway, Hair Love Beauty was also bustling Wednesday evening as owner Kimyata Hawthorne worked her way through clients, with a local news channel playing in the background.

Like Mercado, Wednesday marked her anniversary — two years instead of one. She'd expected to be told to close, after ever-increasing restrictions were coming out of the state cosmetology board, and she expects she can weather the closer via her savings for a while.

"I remember first starting out, working under somebody and he was like 'oh girl, you'll make that back tomorrow.' so it was like 'I'll spend it,'" she said. "But then my dad was like 'absolutely not, you don't' know what's going to happen' and this is one of the times. Corona came around and got us shut down. Thank the Lord I was saving, hopefully (other barbershops and salons) make it through."

She said the closure was making her appreciate the slow days, because "now we have no days."

The other concern is whether or not clients come back to the salon once it reopens.

"This time right now, especially for my industry, it is make it or break it," she said. "Because you close down for a month, you might not even be able to open back up. You're either built for this, or you ain't."

NORTH RIDGEVILLE At Ron's Northview Barber Shop on Center Ridge Road, owner Travis Franke said he has anticipated the mandatory closure for a while. After hearing the recommendation to stay six feet away from others, he knew that would be a problem for barbers.

“It’s hard in this field to stay three feet away from them,” he said, while putting the finishing touches on a customer’s haircut.

Business has tapered off a little since the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, Franke said, but customers began coming in quickly after learning that their time to get a haircut was very limited.

Franke said he understands why the state would choose to shut down barbershops and salons next.

“In the course of a day, there are a lot of people who come through, and I’m pretty much face to face with all of them,” he said.

The scary part of the closure for barber Ed Rodriguez is that there is no clear indication of when the shop might be permitted to reopen. He said he is prepared to be closed for three months, even as he hopes that prediction is an overestimate.

All the shop’s employees can do now is “roll with it,” Rodriguez said, and hope customers continue to be understanding of the unprecedented times.

“This shop has been here 50 years plus, so I hope,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of loyal customers here. Generations that have been coming here forever.”

OBERLIN The closure meant canceling at least 50 appointments that had been made for the week, said Kendra Bradley of Jodi Estelle's Hair Design on South Main Street.

"Right now we're calling our people. The girls are all staying late tonight, trying to get everybody in who has appointments for the next week," she said Wednesday. "After that, I don't know."

When Gov. Mike DeWine ordered salons to close, he gave no hint about when they'd be able to open again.

Bradley, who takes care of payroll and the books at the Oberlin salon, said a long closure will mean digging into reserves.

"You just do what you can do," she said. "The plan is to open up and soon as we get the green light. We'll definitely be opening again."

At Modern Beauty Salon down the street, owner Sandy Pitts was fielding phone calls from customers.

"I haven't been panicky yet," she said. "I've been flying by the seat of my pants."

Her employees had already been sanitizing "like crazy," said Pitts, going far above the requirements of the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board.

She guessed her salon could survive three or four weeks without income: "As of right now, we'll be OK. It depends on if it goes into months — that might be a different story."

"We'll work it out. We'll deal with it."

WELLINGTON Sadie Abate, owner of Sadie Scissorhands on East Herrick Avenue, said she suspected closures were coming and was mentally prepared for the governor's order.

"Whenever they started talking about social distancing, that's when I knew, because we touch people all day," she said.

"We will figure it out together. Our community helps out, but I honestly don't have a plan yet," she said.

"We'll be OK. If it's longer than two months, I would be concerned."

Jeanna Sutherland, owner of True Colors Hair Salon on West Herrick Avenue, said she is usually booked out for weeks in advance.

On Wednesday, she found herself working late. "We're going to work until midnight," she said. "We're going to get as many in as we can before we have to close."

Sutherland said she personally does about 40 cuts and styles in a week.

Yet she wasn't panicking about the forced downtime, saying a week or two with the doors locked would be OK, and her business will be fine no matter what.

POLICE

FROM B1 The chief also noted the number of burglaries and break-ins rose in 2019.

Also surging were charges against children, especially for domestic violence and vandalism. "It seems like the guys have really increase juvenile enforcement, and haven't been giving as many breaks as they have in the past," Kucirek said.

Last year, the Amherst Police Department hired a civilian administrator to oversee dispatchers and records, put a second officer on full-time patrol in the school system, assigned a new juvenile court liaison officer, bought two Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicles and a new detective bureau unmarked vehicle, and purchased several ballistic shields for patrol vehicles.

So far in 2020, Kucirek has already hired three new full-time officers, helping to fill the department's roster.

Other plans for this year, as detailed in the annual report, include purchas-

ing leg hobbles for violent prisoners, seeking a bulletproof vest grant and adding at least one more officer to the bike patrol unit.

2019 BY THE NUMBERS • 46,402 inbound phone calls • 11,066 calls for service • 10,084 text messages received • 2,915 traffic warnings given • 2,304 calls to 911 handled • 1,567 traffic tickets issued • 581 items taken into evidence • 552 criminal offenses • 462 crashes or private property incidents • 420 hours worked by non-sworn auxiliary officers • 237 miles traveled by the bike patrol • 158 warrants served • 155 incidents handled at Amherst's schools • 128 detective bureau cases, including theft, fraud and forgery, sex offenses, breaking and entering, bomb threats, auto thefts and other crimes — up from 103 three years ago

• 17 uses of naloxone by police • 18 number of overdose calls • 11 parking tickets written • 6 incidents in which force was used, down from 27 three years ago (the most extreme was the use of a stun gun probe) TOP CRIMES IN 2019 • 112 drug violations • 52 thefts • 41 intoxicated driving charges • 33 unruly child incidents • 24 domestic violence cases • 23 disorderly conduct incidents • 21 blood-alcohol content violations • 21 vandalism, criminal damaging, criminal mischief • 16 obstructing official business or justice charges • 15 trespassing incidents • 11 liquor control violations • 10 curfew violations • 7 assaults • 7 menacing incidents • 5 resisting arrest or failure to comply with a police order incidents • 5 concealed weapons violations

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Amherst News-Times

POLICE REPORTS • Feb. 28 at 11:54 p.m.: Angela Heider, 44, of Amherst, was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and failure to keep an assured clear distance.

• Feb. 29 at 2:37 a.m.: Shelby Seals, 27, of Amherst, was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, driving in marked lanes, turn signal and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Feb. 29 at 7:06 p.m.: Jai-Len Sanford, 21, of Lorain, was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

• March 1 at 1:52 a.m.: Josiah Carrion, 22, of Lorain, was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, BAC over .08 percent and driving in marked lanes.

• March 1 at 2:54 p.m.: George Tassie, 56, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through the Olmsted Falls Police Department for a temporary protection order violation.

• March 1 at 7:06 p.m.: Jeremy Emerine Jr., 26, of Amherst, was charged with assault following a complaint about an incident at Cedar Pub on Park Avenue.

• March 1 at 10:48 p.m.: A woman said her brother had a knife and wanted to kill himself. When officers arrived, the man "fled back into the residence and was completely out of control and was throwing items towards officers," according to a police report. Police used a stun gun to subdue the man, and he was taken to Mercy Health Lorain Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

• March 2 at 9:51 p.m.: Antonio Taylor, 34, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through the Lorain Police Department for leaving the scene of an accident.

• March 3 at 2:21 a.m.: A Springfield man said $400 was stolen by a man who had stayed with him at Motel 6 on Route 58.

• March 3 at 2:36 a.m.: Marton Super, 69, of Lorain, was charged with weaving course, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• March 3 at 10:31 p.m.: A 19-year-old was revived from a drug overdose and taken to Mercy Health Lorain Hospital for treatment.

• March 3 at 11:24 p.m.: A woman told police she received a threat that someone was going to slash her tires.

• March 4 at 12:06 a.m.: Officers responded to a domestic dispute on Franklin Avenue.

• March 4 at 12:53 a.m.: A short car chase happened when a Dodge Durango refused to stop for police after allegedly committing a traffic violation. She pursuit was quickly called off for safety purposes. The driver fled north into Lorain.

• March 4 at 10:06 a.m.: Scott Heisler, 33, of Lorain, was arrested on warrant through the Lorain County Sheriff's Office and Lorain Police Department. After a brief struggle at Motel 6 on Route 58, he was taken into custody. He was also charged with obstructing official business and resisting arrest.

• March 4 at 4:55 p.m.: Samantha Hamm was arrested on a warrant through the Avon Police Department.

• March 4 at 8:43 p.m.: An employee at Subway on Oak Point Road was short by $144.70, which was attributed to a quickchange scheme.

• March 5 at 5:10 p.m.: A woman reported that her nine-year-old was threatened by a second-grader.

• March 5 at 8:25 p.m.: A girl said she was having trouble at Firelands High School with an ex-boyfriend who would not stop contacting her. Police told the boy to cease all communication with the girl.

• March 7 at 12:58 a.m.: Officers responded to Cliff View Apartments due to a report a woman was screaming. She was found on Brookside Drive and was intoxicated and emotional over a family dispute, according to police.

• March 7 at 2:05 a.m.: Brandyne Johnson, 24, of Lorain, was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, BAC refusal, stop light violation and weaving course.

• March 7 at 8:53 a.m.: Charles Hill, 48, of Lorain, was charged with theft after a complaint at Dollar General on Cooper Foster Park Road.

• March 7 at 6 p.m.: Graffiti was found on a storage barn used by Trinity Evangelical Free Church on Middle Ridge Road.

• March 9 at 9:24 a.m.: Jeffrey Crum, 52, of Amherst, was arrested on a warrant through Adult Parole Services.

• March 9 at 4 p.m.: Zakry Haynes, 19, of Amherst, was arrested on a warrant through the Lorain County Sheriff's Office for contempt of court on original drug charges.

Page B3

SPREAD LOVE

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Shobi Maynard, 19, of Amherst holds a sign reading #SpreadLove last Wednesday afternoon on Route 58 in Lorain. Maynard said he hoped to spread some positivity in the light of the virus.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Library provides valuable services To the editor: I would encourage the Amherst community to support the Amherst Public Library bond issue. The library provides many valuable services to our community and there is a need for additional space in order to meet the changing needs of our community. The Amherst library is fiscally responsible, and they are asking for a very modest increase in

order to expand services.

It is important to support our local entities such as police, fire, schools and libraries if we are going to have a strong community and maintain a standard of excellence moving forward.

Please join me in voting yes for Issue 11.

Steve Sayers Amherst Schools Superintendent

LOCAL RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS CITY OF AMHERST Mayor Mark Costilow said he is working to keep all services running and all departments open during the coronavirus outbreak.

City employees, including police, firefighters, utilities and street workers are considered essential and will remain on the job.

To limit exposure to COVID-19, Costilow ordered the Sans Spring Building and City Hall to close.

However, the offices remain staffed and available during normal working hours to answer phone calls, emails and other electronic inquiries.

"This situation will change from day to day.

Working together, we will see this to its conclusion," Costilow said.

POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Joseph Kucirek's officers are making changes to protect themselves and the public during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We're not shaking hands.

We're trying to follow that six-foot rule," he said.

Some changes aren't being disclosed for security reasons, Kucirek said.

More will be put in place if the state orders closures to courts or other government services, he said.

For now, "the usual" kinds of calls — thefts and car crashes, for example — have fallen off steeply, according to the chief.

He said it's fair to assume that if people are staying home and schools are closed, officers will be dispatched more often to residential-type complaints.

Last week, he noted a few domestic violence cases.

"Maybe it's a sign of people being around each other a little too much,"

said Kucirek.

FIRE DEPARTMENT The Amherst fire station on Church Street has been closed to the general public.

Non-emergency visits, tours and social events will not be allowed until the end of the coronavirus crisis. That includes canceling the department's annual "Pancakes with the Easter Bunny" breakfast, "which is depressing. It's usually a fun event," said Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Dimacchia.

Precautions are in place to protect first responders from exposure to COVID-19. Dimacchia said dispatch will call fire crews by phone if there's a chance they will encounter a coronavirus patient during a call.

He said it wouldn't be right to announce that information over the scanner waves.

Many Lorain County residents monitor scanner traffic. If they hear a specific address might be associated with COVID-19, it could cause alarm and raise privacy concerns.

"I think we all understand that it's coming. We have the appropriate gear in our vehicles if we need it," Dimacchia said.

Firefighters carry surgical masks and N-95 respirator masks, he said.

Tom Kelley, director of the Lorain County Emergency Management Agency, said first responders had a conference call Friday to make sure everyone was on the same page about COVID-19 protocols.

He said emergency personnel were warned to be conservative with personal

protective gear — it needs to last.

For example, masks don't necessarily have to be worn on every call, Kelley said.

"The biggest problem we're having is the rumor mill," he said, making a plea for people to stop sharing unverified information on social media.

"If it doesn't come from the CDC or Lorain County Public Health, don't repost it."

Some residents are panicking over rumors that Gov. Mike DeWine will impose martial law, he said.

They're linked to the mobilization of the National Guard, which is lending assistance to food banks.

DeWine said Thursday that soldiers aren't carrying weapons — "You may see them carrying groceries."

A run on toilet paper that wiped out store shelves was caused by internet-bred panic, Kelley said, and more online chatter caused residents to clear grocery store shelves of canned goods and bread.

"We want to be prepared, but people go overboard," he said.

SOUTH AMHERST Jamie's Flea Market on State Route 113 has suspended operations and is closed until further notice, according to General Manager Lorna Ingersoll.

The business will reopen when allowed by state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

AMHERST SCHOOLS The State of the Schools address planned for April 8

has been canceled, according to Superintendent Steve Sayers.

STEELE HIGH SCHOOL Principal Joe Tellier gave an address to students Friday on Twitter, telling them this spring break will be different than any other.

He said high-schoolers can still pick up the phone and talk to friends, be online and play video games with each other — it's important to keep socializing and keep whatever degree of normalcy you can.

"If you're like my family, you're starting to feel the effects of this coronavirus pandemic in your house.

The socialization that we used to have has changed," Tellier said.

"I guess I just want to point to the positives

throughout this situation.

As your principal, I could not be more proud. The more faculty I talk to are telling me all the online learning and the distance learning lessons they're providing you, you guys are crushing. You're doing everything they asked you to do.

"I know your world changed overnight, and I'm here to tell you guys I couldn't be more proud."

Tellier closed by saying there are many things in life we can't control, and the pandemic is one of them. "But we can certainly control our positive attitude," he said.

WORKSHOP PLAYERS With the continued outbreak of the coronavirus, the Amherst Townshipbased Workshop Players

will cancel the rest of their productions for the season.

The decision "was not made lightly, but for the safety of everyone, it was necessary," said a statement from the theater's board of trustees.

"We will be putting both shows on the schedule in the near future," it said.

"We can only survive with the support of our ticket sales and patron donations and we deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support of Workshop Players Theater."

The community theater will offer vouchers for shows next year, ticket refunds or will accept donations for tickets.

For more information, call the box office 440-9885613 or email contact@ workshopplayers.com.

Here at Don Mould’s we know there’s a lot going on in the world today.

We also know... You have a lot to think about with the virus,

school closings and everything else. But, on the Sunny Side of all that’s happening. SPRING IS HERE!!! Spring brings a smile to our faces and it‘s time to Clean, Plant and Enjoy - so let US help you with that!

We now have PARKING LOT SERVICE. Give us a call to place your order and when you ARRIVE we will bring it out to you. You don’t even have to get out of your car! We will also DELIVER TO YOU - so you don’t even have to leave your home!

We are still open for business and new items are arriving DAILY. So come see us or use one of our online services. Let us help you with ALL your gardening needs and let’s JUMP into SPRING with a SMILE!

HOUSE SEE PLANTS OUR ARE HERBS! HERE! WINTER HOURS Monday-Friday 9-5:30pm Saturday 9-5pm Closed Sundays

LARGE 50% COME NEW SELECTION GET ITEMS OF OFF HANGING FAIRY ARRIVING YOUR FERNS! ITEMS! WEEKLY! SEEDS!

Corner of Routes 58 & 113

440-986-7777 Keep an eye on Facebook for our Class Schedule

Page B4

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Amherst News-Times

CORONAVIRUS

Census field operations delayed to limit exposure JASON HAWK EDITOR

The U.S. Census Bureau has suspended all hiring and training operations and delayed other aspects of the count until at least April 1 while the country is in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic.

Most households across the nation have received invitations to take part in the 2020 census by mail over the past week.

As of early Friday, more than 18.6 million people had already responded, Associate Director for Decennial Census Programs Albert Fontenot said in a press briefing call.

Census workers already started dropping off packets in Puerto Rico, tribal areas and extreme rural parts of the United States.

Those efforts, which affect fewer than five percent of American addresses, have been paused until March 29 at the earliest.

Other field operations are halted until at least April 1 to protect census workers from COVID-19 exposure, Fontenot said Friday.

That includes efforts to count students at colleges and universities.

With many institutions closing campuses and moving classes online for the rest of the spring semester, the Census Bureau is pivoting to make sure students who have been sent home are

counted.

Fontenot also said everything possible will be done to count residents of nursing homes, regardless of quarantine situations, as well as emergency shelters and soup kitchens.

That work was to begin in late March or early April, but has also been placed on hold, said Tim Olson, Associate Director for Field Operations for the census.

Tim Olson is associate director for field operations, and said there have been 2.8 million applicants for temporary census jobs.

The number surpassed his office's goal by about 200,000.

Because of pressures introduced by the coronavirus, the recruiting

website will remain open for the foreseeable future, Olson said.

There are 248 census offices across the country and to date, more than 600,000 people have accepted job offers.

When they'll be able to start is another question.

The largest effort, involving about 500,000 workers, will be to get in touch with households that do not respond on their own, said Olson.

Those contacts were supposed to start April 9. Now it will likely be May 28, he said.

The deadline for residents to answer the census has been extended from July 31 to Aug. 14.

Right now, the big concern is how field work will be done

Local psychologist says uncertainty and bad information drive virus fears DYLAN REYNOLDS THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Uncertainty and the expanse of misinformation are driving many people’s extreme reactions to the coronavirus outbreak, said Diana Santantonio, local psychologist and owner of Psych and Psych Services in Elyria.

“I think in general, people tend to react either by minimizing things or they swing the other way and tend to catastrophize and overreact,” Santantonio said.

One of the ways these overreactions can manifest, she said, is by hoarding supplies including toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

“I think the hoarding is one way of overreacting by trying to feel like, ‘I want to protect myself and feel in control in some fashion,’

even if it is misguided,” she said.

“I think in this case it's misguided because you can’t really make intelligent decisions unless you have the information, facts and science.”

She is worried the mass purchase of toilet paper and other supplies "compromises the well being of the entire community" by preventing access for people who need them most.

Consistent, scientifically accurate information should be coming from the highest levels of government, Santantonio said. That could prevent the more extreme responses, she added, although she said she believes the administration is “just starting to take it seriously.”

“Emotionally and psychologically, you don’t want people driven by fear,” she said. “You want people driven by good decision

making based on sound info.”

Fears over the spread of coronavirus have reached psychologists’ offices. Santantonio sees up to eight patients on any given day, and she estimated last week that 80 percent of them have been “anxious and concerned and uncertain” about the outbreak.

A concern for psychologists is that if any of their patients are isolated or quarantined at home due to virus spread, they won’t be able to come to the office and receive treatment for their psychological issue.

Currently, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances do not pay for therapy sessions conducted over the phone, Santantonio said, but she has been in contact with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services advocating for a solution.

as states issue shelter-in-place orders.

New York and California already have them in place. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Friday that he'll follow suit if employers here don't show more responsibility and help contain the spread of the virus.

Fontenot said meetings are held daily to go over changes due to COVID-19's progression, and new challenges raised by how states are responding.

He wouldn't say what fallback plans are being discussed if quarantines make it impossible for the census to wrap up by August.

"We don't want to attempt to forecast what will happen in the future," Fontenot said.

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS

Severe limits to visitation were put in place Saturday

by University Hospitals to protect caregivers and patients from the coronavirus: • No visitors will be allowed for patients confirmed to have COVID-19, with no exceptions.

• No visitors are allowed in hospitals' general medical floors or Seidman Cancer Center.

• Rainbow Babies and maternity inpatients are limited to the same two adult visitors for the duration of their hospital stay. Only one visitor will be allowed to spend the night with the patient.

Visitors will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness and temperature greater than 99.6 degrees upon entrance to the unit and will not be allowed to enter the facility if they screen positive.

• Surgical patients are allowed one visitor on the day of surgery only and screened. Surgical patient visitors will not be allowed to enter the facility if they screen positive.

• At ambulatory health centers, physician offices and urgent care facilities, only one visitor will be allowed for the appointment and screened. Patient visitors will not be allowed to enter the facility if they screen positive.

Visitors must be flu symptom-free, with no coughing, runny noses, diarrhea or shortness of breath.

Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for birth, pediatric and end of life care only. Approval will require chief medical officer or chief nursing officer approval. Any visitor using the exception will be screened.

University Hospitals is a nationally recognized leader in heart and vascular care.

At University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, we’re dedicated to bringing you more options for cardiovascular care – close to home.

Over 1,700 heart and vascular experts, across 26 locations,

The first U.S. center researching a device to prevent stroke

The region’s most experienced team in heart catheterizations,

Developing the latest devices and procedures for patients with

providing local access to life-saving therapies

in high-risk patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

performing about 20,000 per year

140 cardiovascular clinical trials

Schedule an appointment today:

440-597-1041 | UHhospitals.org/Heart *

UH Elyria Medical Center 630 East River Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035

The Science of Health. The Art of Compassion.

*U.S. News & World Report ranking awarded to UH Cleveland Medical Center, University Hospitals’ flagship academic medical center.

© 2020 University Hospitals

INSIDE: NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES CLOSE DOWN • C3

OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 • SERVING OBERLIN SINCE 1930

PICKING UP HOMEWORK

LOCAL RESPONSE

CITY OF OBERLIN

During the COVID-19 shutdown, city buildings are being cleaned, and employees are encouraged to stay home if they are ill.

Public meetings have been canceled until further notice, including City Council and board and commission meetings.

Public access to city facilities remains heavily restricted. Only the police station continues to be accessible.

Residents who need help paying utility bills due to the effects of the outbreak should call Oberlin Community Services at 440-774-6579.

If you are a commercial, nonprofit or other nonresidential utility customer and need to make alternative payment arrangements for your Oberlin utility bill, contact the finance director at stalarico@cityofoberlin. com or 440-775-7210.

HALT ON RECYCLING

Bruce Bishop | Chronicle

Eastwood Elementary Principal Meisha Baker and second grade teacher Michele Peters provide a parent with some homework and a food package at the school last Tuesday. Oberlin students are expected to keep up their studies while Ohio is on an "extended spring break" that Gov. Mike DeWine has hinted may last until the end of the academic year.

BUSINESS AS UNUSUAL

Recycling operations have halted as city workers try to conserve manpower.

Oberlin Public Works Director Jeff Baumann said a four-person crew and two back-up workers collect garbage and recyclables each week.

He’s splitting those employees into two units “maximize our ability to stay in service” as long as possible during the coronavirus outbreak.

Until further notice, Oberlin residents can use their recycling bins for garbage that will go to the landfill.

Dumpsters for paper and cardboard are located around town and can be used until they are full, Baumann said.

People who want to recycle other materials have two options: They can save steel and aluminum items until service is restored, or they can mix them in with the regular trash.

Baumann said plastics and glass should go in the garbage for now.

“You can still put them out in your recycling bin, that’s fine. But the truth is they’ll still go to the landfill,” he said.

For a city dedicated to reducing its environmental impact as much as possible, the decision was a difficult one, said Baumann.

He said in this case, protecting the health of workers and keeping refuse services running during the crisis took precedence.

Yard waste and temporary dumpster pick-up have also been halted until further notice.

OBERLIN COMMUNITY SERVICES

Bruce Bishop | Chronicle

Sheree Ferrato of Verite Stained Glass, located on Main Street Oberlin, is one of the people facing problems during the coronavirus pandemic. She's a small business owner who also has a history of health problems and a compromised immune system.

Stores in ‘uncharted territory’ after state stay-at-home order LAINA YOST, DYLAN REYNOLDS and BROOKIE MADISON

Jason Lowery’s employees have never had to file for unemployment — until now, possibly.

Lowery, who owns Auto Details in Elyria, watched Gov. Mike DeWine’s press conference Sunday in which he announced a stay-at-home order that effectively shut down the state to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Lowery’s business is considered non-essential, according to the order.

He said he anticipated the order, and he only wishes it had been put into place two weeks ago to contain the virus.

“I prepared people in the shop for the shutdown,” he said. “We’ve been planning for this for about a week now and going over what the plan would be. It’s definitely not a surprise.”

That doesn’t make it hurt less for Lowery’s business. He said he’s encouraged employees to file for unemployment, even though it will elevate his rates.

“It is what it is,” he said.

If the shutdown only lasts two weeks, Lowery said his employees might not need to file. But if it goes any longer, it will be unavoidable.

“It’s uncharted territory for us,” Lowery said. “We’ll get through it. If they extend it, we’ll be prepared for

that.”

The order, signed by Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, sent businesses scrambling to determine if they fell into one of the many exemptions and could continue to work.

Stores that sell food or medicine or manufacture them are exempt, as are food banks. Restaurants offering carryout only — the governor earlier closed the dining room of eateries — can continue.

Gas stations can stay open, as can auto and bicycle repair shops. Suppliers of farm and construction equipment can operate, as can banks, credit unions, title companies, payday UNUSUAL PAGE C2

“An unprecedented public health crisis requires unprecedented effort to help those who are in need,” said Margie Flood, Executive Director of Oberlin Community Services.

The nonprofit has expanded measures to assist people with getting access to food. For those in the southern half of the county, OCS also offers emergency assistance with rent, utilities and other needs.

To minimize the risk of exposure to staff, volunteers and clients, OCS closed the doors to its food pantry and has moved its food operations outside to a parking lot delivery service. Bags of food are brought to people’s cars, so that contact is minimized between staff and clients.

“Most of our outreach events have been canceled or postponed indefinitely, but we are working hard to make sure that people have access to food and emergency assistance,” said Flood.

With layoffs rapidly occurring and kids out of school, there are more people who need help making ends meet.

OCS is working with Second Harvest Food Bank to increase the amount of food available so that they can send home larger quantities of food to more people.

“We are trying to give each household enough to make it through at least a couple of weeks." said Flood.

OCS’s client load has increased as income loss and kids staying home stress fragile budgets during RESPONSE PAGE C2

We've Moved!

In order to serve you better, Oberlin Hearing Care has moved to a brand-new building — right next door!

Same Street. NEW Suite.

Now Open

224 W Lorain St, Ste 400 • Oberlin, OH 44074

440.776.8379 Proudly serving Lorain County since 2001!

www.OberlinHearingCare.com

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page C2

Oberlin News-Tribune

UNUSUAL

FROM C1

lenders and insurance agents.

Hardware and supply stores may stay open, as can mail service and businesses providing shipping and delivery services. Laundry services — dry cleaners and laundromats — can continue to operate, as can stores that sell supplies necessary for those trying to work at home during the shutdown.

Lorain County Transit can continue, as can area taxi services and Uber and Lyft.

The list goes on and is available for review at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Sheree Ferrato shut down her business in Oberlin over a week ago.

With Sunday’s order, her business, Verite Stained Glass, would not be considered essential.

She moved to Oberlin five years ago, and said the city was a “good fit for her.” Ferrato said she tried a couple different angles to keep her business open, but said it just wasn’t working.

“Every business owner here is a small-business owner,” Ferrato said.

“It just hurts because all of us love what we do.”

Since Oberlin College closed as well, Ferrato said the downtown is missing out on business from students. Ferrato also said she is at a higher risk with some lung problems.

“A lot of stores here are closed because a lot of us are older,” Ferrato said. “We are the targets. We’re freaking out, just like everybody else.

We don’t want to get sick because we love life. I know there’s some people here that are really hurting.”

Ferrato said she’s put a deal out on Groupon that she hopes people will buy now for the future until her company can get back on its feet.

Krista Long, owner of Ben Franklin & Mindfair Books in Oberlin, sells food and medicine and will be

able to stay open.

“There are still quite a few students in town,” Long said. “They need safe places that are walkable.”

Long already established a process for delivery, curbside pick-up and even virtual shopping for customers.

“The plan is to have hours going forward,” she said. “Oberlin is a town that sticks together. I think people will continue to have solidarity here.”

The bookstore already reduced its staff and its hours to 11 a.m to 3 p.m. and may reduce its hours even more.

“I have five high-school workers,”she said. “They’re not trying to support families or themselves, so they are temporarily idled.”

Long said she is in it for the long haul and plans to go to the Small Business Administration for disaster relief lending.

“I hope they’re doing something to help us because the bills don’t stop,” Long said.

Scent Depot, a home and bath products store in Wellington, is another nonessential business that is closing.

Owner David Arcuri said he is rolling with the punches and hoping for the best. The business has only been open for six months.

“I’m still processing,” Arcuri said.

“I’m hoping this is short-term, but it’s hard to say if we’ll be able to recover.”

The business started advertising its hand soaps and bath bombs more and started doing deliveries.

“Online has never been a big part of business,” he said.

Arcuri anticipated being busy around Mother’s Day, just as it was for the holiday season.

“I feel guilty thinking about the business, but the economy is just as big as the health part,” Arcuri said.

For other businesses, whether they meet the essential criteria isn’t as cut and dry.

Automation Resources LLC is an engineering consulting company that sends in engineers to businesses to help with automation needs.

Owner Larry Abbott said several of the businesses the company works with are considered essential, such as GoJo in Akron, which makes hand sanitizer, and Proctor and Gamble, which among other things makes toilet paper, so his employees can still work with them.

But for the businesses that are considered nonessential, Abbott said that work will temporarily end.

Right now, Abbott and two of his engineers are working from home on some ongoing projects. He has one employee who works only at his business on Sugar Lane in Elyria and his job cannot be done at home and he cannot come to work at the shop, either.

Abbott also has offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is on shutdown.

Some companies Automation Resources works with there are essential and others are not. That has staggered the work for Abbott’s employees in Pennsylvania.

“Jobs we’re supposed to be doing, we can’t even do them,” Abbott said.

“Everyone is maybe working part time.”

Abbott said he will go out for a small business loan to get the company through the down period, but he said he feels lucky because at least the company has some work that can be done.

“In time, we’ll get it paid back,” he said. “There are still some things we can do. There are a lot of companies out there, their doors are just closed.

Period.”

OHSAA basketball honors

Phoenix senior Giles Harrell has earned an All-Ohio honorable mention for Division III. Senior Victoria Jackson has earned an All-Ohio honorable mention for Division III. She was also named Second Team All-District, First Team All-Lorain County, Second Team Lorain County League and is the 10th player in Oberlin basketball history to score 1,000 points.

MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS ACROSS 1. Wire danger 6. Part of a circumference 9. Nashville’s Keith 13. In a cold manner 14. Prefix for something revived 15. Paralyzing disease 16. Mulled wine 17. Egg cells 18. A do-nothing 19. *”Alphabet Series” detective novels author 21. *”It’s close to midnight, and something evil’s lurking in ____ ____” 23. Second mo.

24. Fabricca Italiana Automobili Torino 25. Not don’ts 28. Popular Japanese soup 30. *Agatha Christie’s famous sleuth 35. Wood sorrels 37. “Through” in text 39. Give sheep a haircut 40. Raise the roof 41. Wall or pedestal support 43. Cogito, ____ sum 44. Drink like a cat, two words 46. Be inclined 47. Commotions 48. Bewitch or beguile 50. Jack and Jill’s water jug 52. Put to work 53. *James Patterson’s “____ the Girls” 55. “Jack and the Beanstalk” Giant’s disapproval 57. *Hitchcock classic 61. *Poe’s “Tales of ____ and Imagination” 65. In the know 66. *Subject of Roswell’s mystery 68. Cocoon dwellers 69. King Julien XIII of “Madagascar,” e.g.

70. Bubble source 71. Possible allergic reaction 72. Gaelic tongue 73. Store posting, for short 74. Oceanic trenches DOWN 1. Google alternative 2. Maple genus 3. Capital on the Baltic Sea 4. Blindman’s ____

Thursday, March 26, 2020

History Corps volunteer helping Heritage Center Katrina Walker is working hard to help the Oberlin Heritage Center strengthen local history programs.

She is a member of an AmeriCorps effort called the Ohio History Service Corps, and is working with six organizations to develop educational programming, build engagement through marketing and provide feedback on collections policies.

This year, Walker looks forward to working with the Katrina Walker Cleveland Grays Armory Museum to explore the stories of African-American from Oberlin who found further educational and career opportunities overseas.

Ohio History Service Corps members have donated 56,912 hours and leveraged more than $290,000 in cash and $1.5 million of in-kind donations to help communities since 2010.

After her time with AmeriCorps, Walker plans to continue in the museum field by completing graduate studies and eventually work in an administrative capacity.

SCHOLARS REBECCA MYERS of Oberlin has received a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Ashland University during the winter 2019 commencement ceremony.

A 2014 graduate of Firelands High School, Myers is majoring in nursing.

ROBERT COBB of Oberlin has been named to the dean's list for the Fall 2019 semester at the University of Mount Union.

LETTER Thinking philosophically To the editor: In the 17th century, Baruch Spinoza decided that God and nature were equivalent. In the 21st century, I have come to a similar opinion.

Think about it. Your church or synagogue could have just finished a new addition, which was supposed to be dedicated the next day. But during that night, a hurricane comes through causing much damage.

"Nature is in charge." If you wish you may say, "Nature is God." Claudine Carlton

RESPONSE

FROM C1 temporary closings. Flood said people who have never needed help before may find that they need it now, and that’s OK. People in southern Lorain County who need assistance paying utility bills or rent can visit www.oberlincommunityservices.org, call 440-774-6579 or 440-774-1353, or email help@oberlincommunityservices.org.

OCS could still use a few volunteers. The nonprofit also encourages people to volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank.

CATTS UPDATE

The Community Action to Save Strays board has voted to institute an intake hold for cats and kittens.

The nonprofit will still offer trap-and-release services and will help cats if they have a foster home to go to, but will not add to its foster population at this time.

5. International ____ of Units 6. In a little while, old-fashioned 7. Once around 8. Raccoon’s South American cousin 9. *The Demon Barber 10. Spanish earthen pot 11. Coffin stand 12. *New ____, setting of “The Alienist” 15. Michelangelo’s famous Vatican statue and others like it, e.g.

20. Death reports, for short 22. Deli offering 24. Baby extractor 25. *Sherlock Holmes creator 26. Continental divide 27. Planktonic tunicate 29. *”Who ____ J.R.?”

31. Actress Perlman 32. “Lost” in Paris

33. Mar-a-___, pl.

34. Having a toothed margin 36. Undesirable location 38. Forearm bone 42. Enlighten 45. Slower 49. Oil drilling apparatus 51. Spoke with a speech defect 54. Make a murmuring sound 56. Chopin’s composition 57. Wide river valley 58. Water carrier 59. L.A. footballers 60. *HBO’s “____ Detective” 61. *Pamela Voorhees and Norma Bates, e.g.

62. D’Artagnan’s sword 63. Stairway alternative 64. Those not opposed 67. *Remus Lupin’s occasional body cover

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Oberlin News-Tribune

Page C3

Non-essential stores in Oberlin closed ahead of order BROOKIE MADISON THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Many businesses in downtown Oberlin closed their doors before the state issued its stay-at-home order Sunday.

The consignment and resale shop All Things Great relied heavily on business from Oberlin College students, professors, tourists and visitors to stay afloat.

It closed March 15.

Co-owner Laurel Kirtz said the store may have to stay closed longer than April 7, due to her belief that Oberlin College's commencement ceremony will be canceled.

An announcement about commencement had not yet come from the college as of press time Tuesday.

"We rely on people who come to town," she said. "I can't afford a loan. I've literally lost $10,000 just with the fact that the commencement is (probably) can-

celed.

Kirtz said the thrift store makes more money in May than any other month and that June through August are slow months All Things Great has been using Facebook and eBay for sales and trying to appeal to those now working from home.

"I'm putting up everything people can wear at home like loungewear and sleepwear," Kirtz said.

"Things are going to suck for the next five months," she added.

"Sales are going to be next to nothing. I really hope for things to be good by September."

She plans to reopen, but is focusing on things people may need for the time being.

"The value of my inventory has altered," she said. "People may never care about 501 Levis again."

Mad Cow Curiosity Shop, which sells retro, pop culture and vintage items was another store that relied on college students for

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office has set up some new temporary hours for its lobby at 9896 Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria Township.

The lobby doors will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week for the foreseeable future.

For emergencies at other hours, the public may use the emergency phone located on the south wall of the lobby vestibule to contact personnel.

Other services also have adjusted times.

Concealed carry weapons permit business will be conducted by appointment only from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for the time being.

Approved CCW permit pickups will be from noon to 7 p.m. only Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Webchecks — background checks through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and the FBI — will be handled from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Anyone with questions may call the sheriff’s Records Office at 440-329-3703.

MURRAY RIDGE

Though closed by state order, Murray Ridge Center in Elyria Township will have a staffer on hand during business hours to handle calls from the public, the center announced Monday.

It posted an update to Facebook reminding the public that its Adult Day Centers and the Murray Ridge School both are closed at this time.

The Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities will continue to perform “essential operations,” and concerns may be directed to the board by phone at 440-3293734.

The line will be staffed by a receptionist between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For emergencies after hours, call the Crisis Hotline at 440-282-1131.

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, the Lorain County Metro Parks will extend the closures of all indoor public facilities through at least April 6.

All room reservations have been canceled through this date, and parks programs and events have been canceled through April 30. All fees associated with programs and facility rentals will be refunded.

At this time, all outdoor parks and park trails will remain open to visitors from 8 am to 6 pm, daily. However, all playgrounds and restrooms have been closed until further notice.

Those who choose to visit the park system’s outdoor spaces should follow all of the recommended sanitary protocols. These include washing hands frequently and for 20 seconds or longer, cover all coughs and sneezes, keep hands away from the face, and practice social distancing of at least six feet from others.

HELP WITH HOUSING

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency voted last week to provide $5 million for rental assistance and emergency homelessness services.

The money is intended to help homeless and low-income Ohioans negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Funds will be disbursed based on a formula corresponding to the number of extremely low-income and very low-income residents in each of the state’s nine service areas. They could begin receiving funds as early as April.

their business.

"When Oberlin College students were sent home, it all pretty much died at that point," owner Brent Coward said.

The shop has been closed since March 16.

"It’s the responsible thing to do even though it’s financially devastating," Coward said of closing his store.

Main Street Antiques closed March 18 and owner Michele Peters said the majority of her dealers who rent space are in the COVID-19 high-risk category.

"All but three of my 14 dealers are 60 and older," she said. "It was in their best interest and we didn't want to make anyone feel like they were obligated to come in."

Peters said she hated having to close, being that they were closed for four months last year because of a fire.

She said for most of her renters, dealing is a hobby, but some depend on the money. Because

no one is on payroll, her renters cannot apply for unemployment.

Peters said this closing will probably last for a bit and she'll reopen when it it is safe for her dealers.

"We're fortunate that we don’t have merchandise that has an expiration date," she said. "We were able to close and not lose money.

Our stuff will be fine sitting there for a month or two if that has to happen."

Ratsy Kemp closed Ratsy's Store on March 15. She said it didn't seem right for her to be open since all schools and Oberlin College were closed.

"So many people were sneezing and coughing. I didn't want to be compounding the problem by clogging up the hospitals," she said.

Kemp is trying to sell goods on Etsy to make money.

"There's no way to list enough stuff to pay all of those bills," she said. "I'm trying to figure out a way to have some income com-

ing in."

She doesn't qualify for unemployment and has to pay rent, utilities and insurance for her business and at her home.

"Every day that I can't open the store and make money, I am falling behind," she said. "Every day something else horrible is happening and shutting down."

Taking a loan out is not an option for Kemp.

This October will make 15 years that the oddities store has been open and Kemp feels lucky to have a store in Oberlin.

"I think Oberlin is a special little town that is eclectic and funky," she said. "I’m hoping this doesn't shut down a bunch of businesses in town. It’s a really nice place because of all of the different businesses that are there."

The stay-at-home order will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, unless stated otherwise by Dr. Amy Acton, director of Ohio Department of Health.

“You can’t stay home if you don’t have a home,” said Michelle Heritage, executive director for Community Shelter Board.

“This quick deployment of emergency funds will help us address a tremendous need among our most vulnerable neighbors facing homelessness.”

WALMART GEARS UP

The nation’s largest retailer announced Friday that it needs more than 5,700 new associates in Ohio to deal with demand and strains caused by the unprecedented public health crisis.

Walmart plans to hire 150,000 workers nationwide through the end of May. The company also announced it will provide more than $365 million in cash bonuses to hourly associates in the United States, provided they were employed as of March 1. Bonuses will pay out April 2.

In addition, Walmart will move up the next scheduled quarterly bonus for its workers, up to $180 million nationwide.

JOB HELP AVAILABLE

The state of Ohio has resources for the unemployed, those whose jobs were lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic and federal assistance for small businesses affected.

The Ohio Means Jobs Lorain County office is closed, but for those who are unemployed, applications can be made online at unemployment.ohio.gov or by calling 877-644-6562. Staff also can be reached at 440-324-5244.

Disaster unemployment assistance also is available through the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services. The cash benefit is provided weekly to those who are unemployed as a direct result of a disaster declared by the President.

Works who are totally or partially unemployed as a result and not eligible for normal unemployment benefits may be eligible for DUA. To get more information, call 866-458-0007, option 2.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to affected small businesses “suffering substantial economic injury” due to the pandemic.

Businesses in all counties in Ohio are eligible. To apply go to disasterloan.sba. gov/ela; call 800-659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 21, 2020.

GIANT EAGLE REACTS

Giant Eagle will install clear plastic dividers at checkout and customer service counters in its stores as part of the effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Most Giant Eagle, Market District, Pharmacy and GetGo locations are expected to have the dividers installed by the end of the week, according to a news release from the supermarket chain.

Checkout lanes will be fitted with signs and floor indicators to remind customers of the appropriate social distance to stand from each other while waiting in line. Giant Eagle is also discontinuing reusable bag use as a protection measure for employees and customers, according to the release.

“We are not wavering in our commitment to providing an unparalleled guest service or a future free of single-use plastics, but rather are asking our guests to take this opportunity to help us promote the safest shopping experience possible,” said spokesman Dan Donovan.

While the measures are in effect, customers will be given the choice between single-use plastic bags and paper bags.

The Fuelperks+ promotion that gives customers points toward gas and grocery discounts for using reusable bags will be paused.

Provided photo

Kendal at Oberlin resident musicians and Oberlin Conservatory students perform together.

Retirement community brings generations together When two Oberlin College students needed a project last fall, they headed across town to Kendal at Oberlin.

Both junior psychology majors, they wanted to explore the benefits of intergenerational engagement, and focused on Kendal’s on-site Early Learning Center, talking to parents of preschoolers and interviewing volunteer "grandparents."

Marika Mortimer-Lotke and Mikaela de Lemos completed the 30-hour project and shared their observations with the Kendal community.

“We have been blown away by the seamless integration between the senior living center and the early childcare center,” they wrote.

Intergenerational activities are a common occurrence at the Quaker-based community founded in 1993, which is home to about 400 older adults.

Kendal’s North Pleasant Connection is a residency program that offers housing for up to four college students per semester in exchange for hours served teaching, performing music, conducting research projects and other volunteer activities.

College students interested in music and art therapy work closely with the Stephens Care Center staff and residents.

Kendal residents mentor students at the Oberlin City Schools and Oberlin College through many formal and informal programs.

Students from the Conservatory of Music form musical bonds and perform with Kendal residents.

High school students work in the dining room, where many friendships are forged.

For a dozen years Oberlin College students in “Ars Moriendi: Death and the Art of Dying” were matched with residents to discuss life lessons and values.

More recently, the college and retirement community brought students and residents together to discuss balance, proper posture and injury prevention.

Kendal’s intergenerational activities have twice been designated a “Program of Distinction” by Generations United for its exemplary programs that bring older adults together with children, teens and young adults.

Jeni Hoover, director of the Early Learning Center, said intergenerational activities help to strengthen families.

“It’s great to see parents pick up their children and go to Langston for dinner to interact with grandfriends,” she said. “We also have a family that will pick up their child and go for ‘hug walks’ around campus just asking people if they want a hug. The intergenerational program benefits everyone from residents, children, college students and the families of the children that attend.”

Mortimer-Lotke and de Lemos agree.

“Elders get to impart wisdom and knowledge on youth who use this as they go through life. Youth learn about past cultures and traditions. Elders learn about current technology and modern values. Additionally, youth come away from intergenerational learning with academic and social advances, higher self-esteem and self-confidence, and gained life skills. Elders gain a sense of purpose, feel more positively towards youth on the whole, and have a higher overall life satisfaction,” they wrote.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 MARCH 12, 2020 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 85 SOUTH MAIN STREET

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS AND OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION, ALL CITY OF OBERLIN BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETINGS ARE CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE REFER TO THE CITY’S WEBSITE FOR UPDATES AT HTTPS://WWW.CITYOFOBERLIN.COM/CORONAVIRUS/.

NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.

Page C4

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Oberlin News-Tribune

CORONAVIRUS

Many businesses use exceptions to stay open, others close JASON HAWK, LAINA YOST, BROOKIE MADISON and DYLAN REYNOLDS

After the state put in place a stay-at-home order Sunday, companies across Lorain County worked to figure out if they were essential or nonessential.

The "stay at home" order, which took effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday, allows for essential businesses to remain open, provided they follow safety guidelines and precautions.

John Beckett, chairman of the Beckett companies in North Ridgeville, said he and executives were “holding our breath” during Gov. Mike DeWine’s press conference Sunday because they did not know how far restrictions would go.

When it was all said and done, Beckett realized the company’s work was considered essential and it could continue operations without laying off any of the nearly 600 workers at the North Ridgeville facility.

“We provide heat for homes and hot water, but we also have applications in the medical device field and the military,” he said.

Beckett’s companies develop combustion products used in heating, cleaning equipment and for custom applications, and claims a presence in more than 50 million U.S. homes.

Beckett said the company has been taking social distancing and disinfecting precautions seriously for several weeks to limit possible spread of the virus, even though no cases have been reported in employees at its North Ridgeville location or other sites around the country and world.

Employees who can work from home are being asked to do so, even though Beckett said that group is smaller than it may seem.

Many manufacturing employees work on heavy equipment that cannot be taken home for obvious reasons, so they will report for work, but their temperature will be tested when they arrive, among other precautions.

“In those cases, what we are doing is rotating people in and out,” Beckett said. “We are having to accommodate some of the work space aspects of it to maintain the distance.”

Tony Gallo, president of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber thas taken on the role of answering as many questions as it can from county businesses.

Many of the questions he got after the state shutdown regarded the gray areas of what is considered an essential business. Gallo said his staff has been in touch with the state government and

received guidance from them.

“A lot of our role has been a repository for information and making sure we’re getting it out there for members or nonmembers,” Gallo said. “We wanted to get good information out there and support all the Lorain County businesses. Because that’s important right now.”

Many manufacturers will remain open because of what they make, and some have had to shift gears.

Invacare updated the status of its business in a press release Monday morning. The company will remain open, as it is making long-term care beds and oxygen concentrators.

Matt Monaghan, chairman and president of Invacare, said in the press release that demand for the respiratory products and beds have increased across the world.

“We realize the current business environment comes with increased responsibility to ensure care for our associates and the communities where we operate,” Monaghan said. “In accordance with all local regulations, we have implemented responsible work practices for associates required to be present at our facilities, as well as those working remotely.”

Dura-Line’s Elyria facility will continue to operate, as it is considered an essential business.

In a press release, CEO Peter Hajdu said the company is taking additional safety measures at all of Dura-Line’s locations. Every day, employee’s temperatures are being screened; they are disinfecting areas of high use, restricting travel and working remotely, if possible.

American Fluid Power in Elyria will also remain open because of its work for military command.

Bob Weltman, owner of AFP, said things will slow down for the company over the next couple weeks.

“We’ve always been resourceful and we’ve gotten through it before it,” Weltman said. “... I’m sure we will. We’re a niche industry, so I don’t have to worry about that. But it’s not good. Certainly nobody expected it, but we’ll get through it.”

Weltman said he started AFP in 2012, and left his job as an accountant. But because he’s a certified accountant, Weltman said he’s conservative with money.

Although it’ll be a challenge for AFP, Weltman said he’s sure the company will come through on the other end.

Wagner Electric Signs plant has been idle since last Wednesday, according to owner Mark Wagner.

Shop employees are at home and office employees have been working from home.

Stewart’s Appliances in Elyria said it falls under the essential

LORAIN COUNTY JAIL

All on-site inmate visits were canceled as of Friday.

Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti announced that family and friends would not longer be able to visit the jail. They are able to visit those who are incarcerated remotely by using their own devices such as laptops, phones, computers and tablets.

Visits can be scheduled at www.icsolutions.com.

INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

All AARP Tax Aide sites in Lorain County are closed until further notice.

"We do not know how the virus will progress in the next few weeks and we cannot put our volunteers or taxpayers at any greater risk," said a statement from volunteers who offer tax preparation assistance.

The situation will be re-evaluated before the end of tax season, AARP volunteers said.

The IRS has made no decision in regard to an extension of the filing season.

SMALL BUSINESS HELP

Ohio’s top officials have asked the U.S. Small Business Administration for relief through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

This federal program will enable small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak to apply for low-interest loans up to $2 million.

“We understand the steps being taken to keep all Ohioans safe will have a significant impact on businesses across the state, which is why we are leaving no stone unturned to identify every possible way we can support them during this time,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Ohioans are resilient. We will get us through this.”

Loans may be used by Ohio small business owners and nonprofits to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable

business guidelines. In a statement, the company said that beginning Tuesday will remain open for walk-in business, but asked that people observe a six-foot distance from others in the store.

It asked that people limit shopping at Stewart’s to essential business only. The company will have new hours, which are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday until April 6 or further notice.

Curbside pick-up and curbsidedelivery is available, but in-home delivery and hook-up is not. The service department is similar.

In-home service is not offered at this time, and appliances must be dropped off at the warehouse for a technician to look at.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience but hope to keep all of our employees and customers safe and free from this horrible virus,” the press release said.

“This is an extraordinary time in all of our lives and we hope we can get through this together. We are trying to do our part in this event to help get our lives back to normal.”

As a chemical manufacturer, Lubrizol in Avon Lake will be permitted to continue operations.

In an email, director of global communications Alicia Gauer wrote chemical manufacturers are “considered critically important in the COVID-19 environment.”

“We’ve instituted a variety of practices and protocols to ensure these materials remain available, while at the same time protecting our employees as our priority,” she wrote.

The company had already been taking employees’ temperatures when they entered the Avon Lake facility, as well as instituting strenuous social distancing and disinfecting practices. As of last week, employees at the plant were only completing activities that have been deemed essential.

Riddell's North Ridgeville facility, which makes football gear including helmets and padding for the NFL and other organizations, will close until at least April 6.

Riddell employs 391 Ohioans and uses a seasonal, temporary workforce of around 150 employees at the North Ridgeville facility, according to a release from the company.

Only essential roles are being performed by the company as a result of the governor's mandate.

A statement from Riddell says the company "values the many contributions of its North Ridgeville team, and looks forward to reopening the facility upon receiving approval from the state of Ohio to continue manufacturing industry-leading football helmets and protective equipment."

Last week, the Chamber of Commerce established a website

called Lorain County Strong in response to the shut down of dining-in at restaurants and bars.

The website provides links to resources for business owners. “(Restaurants have) been a changing target because some of the restaurants haven’t been able to pivot the way they wanted to pivot,” Gallo said. “Some have decided to shut down for the next two weeks and see how things are after that.”

Golden Ginger in Elyria is among the Chinese restaurants that have quietly closed.

Nationwide, some have faced discrimination from customers because COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China.

Manager Nikki Li said she did not encounter that kind of racism.

The decision to close was made because she was worried about getting sick, or unknowingly passing the disease to others.

"A lot of people are afraid," she said before closing last Thursday.

Business had been holding strong. But as the governor gradually shut down more and more businesses to limit the spread of the coronavirus, Li said temporarily closing was the right thing to do. She asked her uncle, who owns the business, for permission to close and he agreed.

"Sometimes the older people come in, and we know they are at risk," Li said. "I don't want to lose money, but I don't want people sick."

Gallo said the Chamber of Commerce has been preparing for a theoretical pandemic since he’s been on it for 15 years, but no theoretical planning could prepare for an actual pandemic.

“We really want to be the calming force,” Gallo said. “There are so many things happening and you can get overwhelmed with the news on a regular basis, and we’re just trying to get the information out there.”

The Mermaid's Tale, a small boutique and jewelry store in downtown Amherst, closed last Wednesday.

Seeing a storm brewing, owner Judy Recknagel began to halt shipments at the start of March, and two weeks ago started laying off employees.

She's still selling what goods she can while the doors are closed, offering delivery by mail and curbside pick-up, but she said business has slowed nearly to a standstill.

Recknagel said the state of emergency reminds her of the weeks after 9/11, and while nervous she believes her store will be able to ride out the closure.

Full-time workers have all successfully applied for unemployment and Recknagel said she hopes to hire them back soon.

The story is different for part-time

and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.

The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75 percent.

Once the state qualifies for the program, the Ohio Development Services Agency will work with the SBA to notify entities that the they can now apply for loans.

These loans are long-term, with up to a maximum of 30 years for repayment. Terms are determined on a case-bycase basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

THE UNITED WAY

The offices may be closed to the public, but employees are still hard at work to connect people in need to resources that provide help, said Ryan Aroney, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Lorain County.

“Obviously, that’s a huge need in the community right now, just making sure people who are displaced by COVID-19 are connected to any resource that’s available,” he said.

Call the organization’s 24-hour referral and information hotline at 440-277-6530 or visit www.211lorain.org.

OHIO TURNPIKE

“The Ohio Turnpike has taken appropriate measures to keep customers and employees as safe as possible,” said Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed. “Due to the fluid nature of the situation nationwide and globally, we continue to conduct contingency planning and will implement new measures as necessary.”

By order of Gov. Mike DeWine, food concession operators in all Ohio Turnpike Service Plazas are limited to carryout sales only. Tables and chairs in food courts are temporarily unavailable to customers to eliminate surfac-

workers who have been let go, at least for a few months.

"I think we have the heart to all pull through this, but it's not going to be easy," Recknagel said.

"It's going to be a long haul. It's going to be something we have to all get through together, and I believe we can."

The Chamber of Commerce has also been providing guidance for nonprofits, and whether they could fall under small business loans, and have also been working with insurance companies and utilities.

When Lorain County and Ohio do come out of the pandemic, Gallo said he hopes that the chamber is established as the place that can help small businesses. He said he knows not everyone will make it, but he hopes they’ll see a lot of “unintended entrepreneurs” -- people who may lose their jobs, but decide to open a new business.

Bob Fisher, who owns Premier Toyota in Amherst, said he is keeping "a modest staff" on hand, with employees working remotely and technicians making repair calls.

He said the dealership will continue to pay and provide benefits to staff while they're home.

Sales have been hit hard — they're down about 40 percent and expected to bottom out soon, according to Fisher.

That's not bad, considering the crisis, he said.

A lot of sales are being made online, even with some people skipping test drives. Premier had about 30 leads come in Monday, he said.

"I think it's exciting because it's going to accelerate digital transactions beyond where it has been," Fisher said.

He made comparisons to 9/11 and how sales suffered, but said he believes they will rebound faster after the coronavirus orders are lifted. For now, interest rates are low if you can afford to act.

"It's going to end," Fisher said.

"This is not the end of the world."

The carpeting and flooring store Totally Floored in Oberlin moved to appointment only jobs and closed its store Monday.

"Business is slow this time of year," sales associate William Folley said. "We usually find a way to combat it."

Totally Floored had cut its hours by two hours on Mondays and Thursdays and had two of its employees working from home.

The family owned business has seen many customers coming in for what they call a "cash and carry," buying materials and installing them themselves as home projects.

The store plans to re-open April 6 and asks customers to call or text for appointments.

es that could become contaminated with COVID-19.

Janitorial crews have increased the frequency of scheduled cleanings and are using products recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Chemical Laboratories to clean and sanitize public areas.

Special attention is being paid to touchpoints in restrooms, infant-changing tables, showers, door handles, vending machines, ATMs, travel kiosks and condiment centers.

Service plazas are designed to help with physical separation and reduce the spread of viral and bacterial infection. They have barrier-free entrances to public restrooms, touch-free flush components, touchless faucets and hand dryers, soap and towel dispensers and hand-sanitizing stations.

TOLL BOOTH WORKERS

Toll collectors on the Ohio Turnpike receive about 35 percent of payments by cash or credit. To limit the spread of COVID-19, they have been provided with nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Use is mandatory.

NO COMMENCEMENT

The coronavirus has forced Ohio University to postpone its spring commencement ceremonies, which had been planned for May 1-2.

“When it is safe for our University community to come together again, we will immediately begin planning a postponed Commencement celebration and will notify our graduates and our entire community as plans are developed,” President Duane Nellis said.

The University of Akron, Youngstown State, Cleveland State, Ohio State, Wright State and Sinclair College are among the many others that have canceled graduation ceremonies.

INSIDE: BAND BOOSTERS GET A HAND FROM JVS • D2

WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 • SERVING WELLINGTON SINCE 1864

Fire station expansion on hold as uncertainty looms JASON HAWK EDITOR

With local elections thrown into turmoil, plans to expand the Kelly Street fire station are being pushed off.

Wellington Fire Chief Mike Wetherbee said he wanted to be sure he had the public's support on $4.6 million in operating cash over the next five years before hiring contractors.

"We've got the funds to do the building, but if something strange were to happen — which it already has, the election's been pushed out — we didn't want to sign a contract," he said.

Ohio's top health official, Dr. Amy Acton, ordered the polls closed on March 17, and Gov. Mike DeWine announced he

wants absentee voting extended until June 2.

The Wellington Fire District is asking for a 2.75-mill replacement levy that would generate $922,547 per year.

That's an increase of $14.28 per year in taxes for the owner of a $100,000 home.

The levy pays for Wellington firefighters' day-to-day costs and purchases like new trucks, helmets and breathing apparatus.

Wetherbee said that money isn't for expanding the fire station — but he's worried that if the levy fails, he'll have to dip into savings to maintain operations.

If the levy does eventually pass, "we would still be able to have the major portion of the project done by the time snow flies, at least have it under roof and enclosed. It's not a dead issue

by any means," the chief said.

Putting off construction until next year would definitely increase the cost, he said.

Wetherbee said there's no reason to think the 2.75-mill levy will fail, and the WFD has always enjoyed heavy public support.

But he understands he's asking for tax money in the midst of a pandemic, and as people are afraid of what the future holds.

He said the fire district will stay operational no matter what.

In the meantime, he and Assistant Chief Bill Brown are requiring the station and fire trucks to be sanitized once a week at minimum. Fire trucks are disinfected every time they return from a run.

FIRE STATION PAGE D3

Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Fire Chief Mike Wetherbee speaks at the State of Wellington breakfast. Because the spring election has been extended, he is now uncertain about the future of a project that would expand the Kelly Street fire station.

LOCAL RESPONSE

DUKES SOCCER GIFT

VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON

• Council meetings have been closed to the general public, and will be live-streamed on Facebook. If you wish to participate in Council meetings, contact Mayor Hans Schneider via text at 440-935-4733 either prior to or during the Council meeting.

• The Town Hall Gymnasium located at 115 Willard Memorial Square is closed to the public. All scheduled events for the months of March and April are canceled.

Anyone who has scheduled an event for March or April will be notified by either phone or email.

For more information, call administrative assistant Barb Murray at 440-647-3827.

• The utility billing office at Town Hall is closed to the public. Payments may only be made by phone, online or dropped off in the utility payment box located in the front of Town Hall.

For more information, call 440-647-4626.

• Due to the state of emergency, the village has suspended utility disconnections for nonpayment until April 15.

For more information, call 440-647-4626.

LORAIN-MEDINA RURAL ELECTRIC Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Tammie and Steve Krakomperger present Wellington Board of Education President Brett Murner with $5,000 for the Dukes soccer program.

$5K could be used to build brand new concessions stand JASON HAWK EDITOR

A $5,000 donation from the owners of Wellington's grocery stores will help build a concession stand for the Dukes soccer program, if possible.

Steve and Tammie Krakomperger presented the gift March 16 during a meeting of the Board of Education at Westwood Elementary School.

"We're here to support all of you. I think you guys need that," said Steve

Krakomperger.

The couple's children play soccer for the Dukes, and Steve said he feels sometimes soccer is "a bit of a red-headed stepchild" of high school sports.

"Sometimes they need a little bit extra, and they'll find a good use to this," said school board President Brett Murner.

Board member Ayers Ratliff also voiced thanks for the gift.

"I know you guys help in every way you can. I feel it's all about the

kids," he said. "I feel good that I know you guys and can do business with you."

The Krakompergers own Village Market on North Main Street and Apples on East Herrick Avenue.

Before the meeting, Steve told Superintendent Ed Weber that he was stunned by the influx of shoppers as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

"It's the biggest couple of days in the history of our business," he said.

"We're getting two trailers every night and we can't replenish. It's insane."

For funeral directors, business can't stop cold during COVID-19 outbreak DYLAN REYNOLDS JASON HAWK

Balancing the necessity of their business with public safety during the coronavirus outbreak is causing some funeral homes to look at changes to services and visitation procedures.

Charlie Duke, who owns Duke Funeral Home in

Grafton along with his wife, is also president of the Lorain County Funeral Directors Association, a group made up of representatives from most of the county’s funeral homes.

He said he recently sent an email to members of the association advising on coronavirus safety and is hoping to get most of the local funeral homes

together to plan a unified response.

At the same time, he is working with the Lorain County Coroner’s Office and Lorain County Public Health to make sure the advice he is giving is in line with the government’s recommendations.

For now, at his own funeral home, Duke is taking extra sanitation measures

and considering lengthening visitations to reduce the number of people in the building at once.

Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered that people not gather in groups of more than 50, which excludes funerals, but the safety of funeral attendees still worries directors.

FUNERALS PAGE D3

The cooperative announced this past week that it has placed a hold on utility disconnects for all accounts, and they will remain on hold as long as the state of emergency continues.

"As a member-owned cooperative, working with and helping our members during tough times is not new for us," LMRE said in a release. "We strive to do what we can, when we can, to ensure the health and well-being of the communities we serve."

LMRE is also waiving late fees, and will re-evaluate policies on May 1.

Cooperative leadership advises members to keep their accounts in good status to avoid disconnection when the hold is removed at the end of the COVID-19 emergency.

“It’s important we as a not-for-profit electric cooperative do everything in our power to help our members during this trying time," said General Manager Ed VanHoose. "To that end, we have extended the reconnect period through May 1. Please contact us during this period if you have difficulties paying your bill. We are on your side and always available to help, so let us know how we can do that.”

LOCAL PAGE D3

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Page D2

Wellington Enterprise

‘Staff separation’ at Town Hall

Wellington Village Manager Steve Dupee has changed the hours for most of his employees, putting them on "staff separation schedules" — half will report to work, while half will remain at home on paid leave on a weekto-week rotation.

The shift was made to limit how many local government workers may be exposed to the virus. Police, water and sewer plant workers — deemed absolutely essential to the operation of the village — will set their own schedules.

At town hall, events have been canceled through the end of April, though Council meetings will be held. The public has been barred from physically attending during the crisis, but can watch proceedings on a Facebook Live stream.

BUCKEYES 4-H REMINGTON ROURKE BRIGHTON BUCKEYES

Today I will tell you about 4-H including cloverbuds, activities we do and our newly elected officers.

First, 4-H is a club where you help others. We have meetings on Thursdays. We also bring the animals you see at fair. We have officer elections and our officers do many jobs.

Now onto Cloverbuds. Cloverbuds is where kids in kindergarten through second grade do activities together, make crafts, play games and hopefully make new friendships. If your child is in third grade and up they are a full member and will not be a Cloverbud. In Brighton Buckeyes, your Cloverbud adviser would be Victoria WoodsRourke, my mom.

If you’re a full member of 4-H, you will be doing these activities like having a car wash and bake sale, helping on Memorial Day and placing flowers on two tombs quite large tombs. We also work on projects and learn things through others.

Onto the moment you’ve all waited for: officers!

First, our president for the year. Jillian Stannard. The president does announcements and says “Motion passed!”

Also, they get to hit a judge’s wooden stick on the counter.

It’s loud.

Now for vice president, Adele Dowdell. The vice president fills in for the president if they can’t attend meetings or other things.

Secretary for the year is Heather Reininger. The secretary writes the minutes and takes attendance.

The treasurer is Scotty Hook, who will keep track of the money the club has.

The education officer is Lily Dowdell. She gets people to talk to the club, so you have to be social for this one.

Next is me, Remington Rourke as your 4-H news reporter. My job is to write articles about the club and get them published in the newspaper.

Next is the historian, Adam Dowdell. He makes the scrapbook to show what the club did for the year.

The recreation officer, Allison Gott, creates games to play at the meetings.

I hope you will consider joining 4-H next year! If you do, try the Brighton Buckeyes.

POLICE REPORTS • Feb. 28 at 3:22 p.m.: Ashley Miller, 35, of Wellington, was charged with theft. Marissa Burkhart, 23, of Wellington, was charged with criminal trespass. The charges came after a complaint at Apples on East Herrick Avenue.

• Feb. 29 at 9:49 a.m.: Anthony Barker, 26, of Wellington, was arrested on a felony warrant through the Elyria Police Department. A report said police also seized suspected heroin and drug equipment.

• March 2 at 8:30 a.m.: Police met with Wellington High School Principal Tina Drake about a suspicious email.

• March 2 at 12:32 p.m.: Officers responded to a theft complaint at Addies Antiques on East Herrick Avenue.

• March 2 at 2:20 p.m.: A patient at Elms Retirement Home reported a wallet missing.

• March 2 at 2:30 p.m.: A woman said threatening messages were posted about her daughter at McCormick Middle School.

• March 4 at 7:44 a.m.: A Wenner Street woman said someone entered her garage and went through her vehicle.

Spare change was taken.

• March 4 at 9 a.m.: A Johns Street woman said someone broke into her garage and hand tools were taken.

• March 6 at 9:07 p.m.: A North Main Street resident reported being threatened.

• March 11 at 9:51 a.m.: Officers responded to Elms Retirement Village for a theft complaint.

• March 11 at 4:42 p.m.: A man said his sons were assaulted while walking home from school.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Morlock and Collins place fourth Josh Morlock of Columbia and Wyatt Collins of Wellington recently competed as a team in the District 2 Agricultural and Power Diagnostics Career Development Competition.

They are both seniors studying industrial equipment mechanics at the Lorain County JVS, and members of the school's FFA chapter.

Competitors had to troubleshoot issues in four tractors and one mini excavator, fixing the problems in less than 20 minutes.

“We were able to debug three out of the five pieces of equipment," said Collins.

“The mini excavator proved to be the most difficult,” said Morlock.

“Neither of us had ever worked on one before, but every time we got stuck we would just take a step back, reset ourselves and try to figure out what we were overlooking.”

FFA adviser Mason Bremke thanked business partners that made the contest happen, including Born Implement, Krystowski Tractor Sales, Polen Implement and Wellington Implement, which donated

Provided photo

Josh Morlock of Columbia and Wyatt Collins of Wellington work to debug a mini excavator in the FFA District 2 Agricultural and Power Diagnostics Competition. equipment to be used in the contest and also assisted with the judging.

The JVS team placed fourth in the district out of 14 teams.

FCCLA COMPETITION

Provided photo

Gabby Brown of Clearview, Nicole Von Seggern of Midview and Eva Hartwig of Wellington smile with their medals at the regional FCCLA competition.

Trio of Wellington students earns medals Students from the Lorain County JVS culinary arts, bakery and pastry arts and early childhood education programs recently participated in the regional competition of Family Career and Community Leaders of America, held at Four

County Career Center.

From Wellington: • Joe Dudziak, a culinary junior, received a gold medal in the Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation event.

• Eva Hartwig, a bakery pastry

arts senior, received a gold medal in Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation event.

• Haleigh Polen, an early childhood education junior, received a silver medal in the Chapter Service Project event.

HELPING DUKES BAND BOOSTERS

Editor's note: Though charged, defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on March 2, 2020.

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Provided photo

Paige Hale primes a mixer used by the Dukes Band Boosters in the collision repair lab at the Lorain County JVS.

Collision students give mixers a ‘boost’ When you think about collision repair, you probably think about the automotive field.

The Lorain County JVS collision repair program mixed things up recently when instructor Lonnie Higey agreed to a project for the AWellington Band Boosters.

“I got a call from them asking if we could refinish two mixers as a service

project,” said Higey. “I said yes because the mixers are metal, just like a car would be, and we would work through all the same processes such as sanding, priming and painting.”

Three sophomores who have committed to the collision repair program for next school year took the lead on the project. Alexis Rivera and Paige Hale of Elyria and Maya Trujillo

of Columbia worked on the project together from start to finish.

“It was really fun,” said Rivera.

“I thought it was pretty easy for the most part, but there were some areas that got difficult, just because of the shape of the mixers.”

The students painted one maroon and the other silver for the Wellington school district colors.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Wellington Enterprise

Iselin named national Teacher of the Year for Project Lead the Way Brian Iselin has been named the Teacher of the Year for Project Lead the Way. An instructor at the Lorain County JVS, Iselin was presented with the award in front of nearly 1,000 people at Project Lead the Way's national conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He has taught students in the engineering program at the JVS for more than nine years.

“Mr. Iselin is an incredibly humble and exemplary individual who is highly respected by both staff and students,” said JVS Principal Tina Pelto.

“His expertise is proven again and again through the success of his students. We are honored to have him as a member of our JVS family.”

Iselin said he knew the JVS engineering program was among the top Project Lead the Way efforts

Provided photo

Project Lead the Way President and CEO Vince Bertram and JVS instructor Brian Iselin. nationwide, but he wasn't expecting the award.

“I was so proud to be named an outstanding

educator and finalist and never really thought I would be the PLTW National Teacher of the

Year," he said.

The Indianapolis summit was an opportunity for engineering instructors to share their knowledge and best practices.

“The educators that attend the conference are all leaders and experts in their educational practices and are some of the best educators in the country,” said Iselin.

“To be called up on the stage and recognized as the National Teacher of the Year was the most significant honor I have ever received in my life.”

Millions of children across the United States take part in Project Lead the Way classes. They learn about computer science, engineering and biomedical science.

About 12,200 elementary, middle and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer Project Lead the Way programs.

Donations to the Wellington Schools The Wellington Board of Education has accepted the following gifts: • Books valued at $154 from Nathan Baxendale for the Wellington High School library.

• Nine Subway gift cards valued at $90 from Wellington High School Principal Tina Drake for Character of the Month incentives.

• $836.53 from the Wellington Band Boosters toward the band's candy sales.

• $25 from Susa Hill to clear students' negative cafeteria balances.

• $50 from William berger to clear students' negative cafeteria balances.

• $200 from Shirley Wheeler to clear students' negative cafeteria balances.

• $100 from Joyce Scott to clear students' negative cafeteria balances at McCormick Middle School.

• $25 from Pat Gott of K&P Coating to clear students' negative cafeteria balances.

• $500 from an anonymous donor to clear students' negative cafeteria balances.

• $100 from Dan Gossman of Allstate Insurance for the McCormick Middle School Drama Club.

• $1,200 from Mercy Health to sponsor the free community breakfast on Saturday, April 4 a the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $5,000 from Forest City Technologies as a premier sponsor of the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $200 from Samantha Stump of The Platinum Petal to the McCormick Middle School Drama Club.

• $400 from Teresa and William Stannard for the McCormick Middle School Drama Club.

• 21 engraved medals and medallions valued at $126 from school board member Ayers Ratliff for the McCormick Middle School awards assembly.

• $75 from school board president Brett Murner for the McCormick Middle School Drama Club.

• 5,000 from Steve Krakomperger, owner of Apples and Village Market, for the Wellington High School soccer program.

• $250 from Wellington Implement to the Drama Club.

• $500 from American Legion Post 8 for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $40 from an anonymous donor for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $50 from Bread-N-Brew for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $200 from Brighton Township for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $25 from Mark Bughman for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $100 from Dimitri's Corner for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $25 from Steve Dupee for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $50 from EMS NET for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $100 from Hart Asphalt for the

Duke Pride Carnival.

• $25 from Jonesy's Classic Cleaners for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $100 from Sandy Jordan for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $100 from Jordan Family Farms for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $25 from Judge Chris Cook for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $100 from Kenyon Glor for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $100 from King Realty for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $25 from Norton-Eastman Funeral Home for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $150 from Romco Fire & Safety for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $100 from Sheriff Phil Stammitti for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $100 from Lorain County Commissioner Sharon Sweda for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $500 from the Stocker Foundation for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $25 from Vasu Communication for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $250 from attorney Alecia Vidika for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $200 from Ed Weber for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $150 from the Wellington American Legion Auxiliary Post 8 for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $100 from Wellington Indoor Comfort for the Duke Pride Carnival.

• $150 from West Roofing Systems for the Duke Pride Carnival.

private until further notice.

Funeral luncheons and food services inside funeral homes will not be available, said the statement provided

by Duke.

"We understand the need to be able to grieve, mourn and to obtain closure after the death of a loved one and will continue to extend our compassionate care, respect and dignity as much as safely possible," it said. "Those (who) are not able to attend services can still show their sympathy and care by donating to groups or local organizations of the families choice, sending cards, phone calls or by sending flowers. Once the threat of this crisis has ended, we (will) all be able to return to our own level of normalcy."

Eastman said funeral homes are doing their best to keep up to date with what state and federal officials are telling them.

That's included an online seminar on how to handle the body of a person who died due to coronavirus, he said.

Embalming is effective in preventing the spread of the disease, he said, and once finished the body is safe to touch — "It's not a situation where cremation is the only choice."

"Universal precautions" have been in use for decades. Every body is initially treated as if there were a risk of infection, said David Dicken of Dicken Funeral Home in Elyria.

He said his goal is be to sensitive to what families want. "You just try to talk to the family and meet their needs as best you can within the

certain limitations there are now," he said.

Cemeteries are also looking at coronavirus protections. A few are restricting the number of attendees for graveside services or have closed their chapels, Duke said.

"I think we're doing sort of a waitand-see sort of thing," said Helen Dronsfield, a Wellington Councilwoman who sits on the Greenwood Cemetery board.

She said she's hoping no burials need to be done in the near future.

"We're a small cemetery. It's not like we have burials every day," she said.

"I think we'll take our lead from what Jay (Eastman) is doing. If they're either halting or having a limited service, we'll do the same," she said.

Vince Giovannazzo, owner of Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home in Lorain, said he is “diligently communicating” with other funeral directors to find out what they are doing for safety.

For now, Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo is asking funeral and visitation attendees to keep at an arms-length distance from each other and not hug. Further measures Giovannazzo said have crossed his mind include closing parts of the building to guests and making sure nobody is feverish before they enter.

“The last thing I want to do is come off as insensitive and not caring, but the big picture is, we care so much that we want to stop this (virus) dead in its tracks,” he said.

FUNERALS

FROM D1 “I’ve talked to several funeral directors. We are all concerned about this.

We are concerned more so about the people coming in for visitations,” he said.

Still, protecting himself and his wife from the virus is among his top priorities.

“We're not going to do anybody any good if the next funeral is ours,” he said.

Some funeral homes are going even further than Duke. Hempel Funeral Home in Amherst is halting all public services and visitations and requiring private guest lists of 50 people or less, for now.

That number could drop even more to stay in line with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s recommendations for gatherings, said owner Eric Hempel.

The business has been in the family since 1963, but Hempel said this outbreak is unlike any he has dealt with in the past.

“This is the first time we've ever limited something like this,” he said.

If necessary, Jay Eastman is ready to live-stream funerals to limit exposure to COVID-19.

Equipment has been installed at the Norton-Eastman Funeral Home in Wellington so loved ones can take part from the safety of home, he said Thursday.

"People are understanding. Folks are open to whatever we need to do to keep them safe," Eastman said.

Duke issued a statement Thursday, saying funeral homes are being asked to make visitations and viewings

Page D3

School breakfast award

The Black River Local Schools were recently named a 2020 Champion of Breakfast Award winner, along with 15 other school districts in the state of Ohio.

The Ohio School Breakfast Partners award recognizes districts that have have enhanced or expanded school breakfast service and choices.

“Providing meals to our students for their health and well-being has always been our focus," said Bonnie Cooper, food service manager for the district.

But even though breakfast has been called the most important meal of the day due to its nutritional impact, it is generally underused, she said.

“Receiving this award proves that we are on the right track with our improved practices. Feeding our children daily breakfast, giving them a good start to their day and being recognized for that is very exciting," said Cooper.

The most notable change with breakfast is that student achievement on state testing showed improvement in all areas, said Black River High School Principal Tracey Lambdin.

Black River online auction

The Black River Schools will hold an online auction of excess and unused equipment through 6:30 p.m. on April 7 at www.kaufman-auctions.com/project/details/51948.

Pickup will be from 2-5 p.m. on April 9.

“We have a number of pieces of equipment and other items that we are unable to use and they have been sitting around taking up space and collecting dust, so we decided auctioning them off is the best option and a win-win for the community,” said Superintendent Chris Clark. “We will be able to raise money for our district while also clearing space and giving people a great deal on some really nice items. Please take a look and see if we have anything that you need.”

The auction features office equipment, desks, soccer balls and a scoreboard. To place a bid, you'll need to create an account. After the auction closes, winning bidders will receive an invoice via email.

OHSAA basketball honors

Dukes senior Mason McClellan has earned an AllOhio honorable mention for Division III.

FIRE STATION

FROM D1

Firefighters are taking steps to limit their exposure to the coronavirus. On a routine carbon monoxide call, for example, one will go into the home wearing gloves and mask while two others will remain outside.

Because the risk of death from COVID-19 increases with the age of the patient, older firefighters are being asked to operate trucks and equipment rather than have direct contact with people during calls.

Wetherbee said he's also asked older members of his crew to refrain from responding to "mundane" calls.

The WFD's seven officers are also being split up.

Some are held in reserve to limit their exposure to the virus.

LOCAL

FROM D1

WELLINGTON'S LIBRARY

The Herrick Memorial Library will remain closed through Sunday, April 5.

"It is our hope to reopen the library on Monday, April 6," said Director Janet Hollingsworth. "We will assess the COVID-19 situation to warrant any additional closing time."

Visit www.herrickliboh.org to explore the Ohio Digital Library. You can download eBooks, audio books and magazines.

The library's board of trustees will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 2.

MEALS AVAILABLE

The Wellington Schools responded to requests to provide evening meals to families that need assistance by expanding meal offerings into the evening.

That plan, however, was scrapped when the state health department ordered Ohioans to shelter in place as much as possible.

The district has moved its food service program to once a week, when all Wellington families can pick up 10 meals per child.

The new meal pick up times will be from 3-6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Stay in your car and wait for school staff to deliver curbside behind the high school.

RECREATION PARK

The village has closed the Johns Street recreation park to all organized sports activities, including practices, games, tournaments, concessions and batting cages until further notice. Residents may continue to use the walking paths at their own discretion, but not the playgrounds.

"We appreciate your understanding during this difficult, challenging and unprecedented time," said Mayor Hans Schneider. "The Village will continue to monitor the situation, act accordingly and will provide further updates as they become available."

NRA CCW Class One Day $75

Check our website for dates

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330-421-8660

CROSSHAIRSCONCEALEDCARRY.COM

Page D4

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Wellington Enterprise

© 2020 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 36, No. 16

You know you have a birthDAY. Did you know you also have a birthSTONE? A special gem stone has been selected to be the birthstone for each month of the year.

Topaz

Pearl

Aquamarine

Sapphire

Amethyst

2. Next to your birthday month, there are two symbols. The first symbol shows you which horizontal line to follow on the Intergalactic Gem Stone Locator Grid. The second symbol tells you which vertical line to follow.

3. The gem at the point where the two lines meet is your personal birthstone!

Garnet Diamond

Emerald

1. Find the month you were born in the box below.

Ruby

+ + -

9 2 3 4 6 5

Garnet – purplish red Amethyst – purple Aquamarine – greenish blue Diamond – white Emerald – green Pearl – white

Ruby – red Peridot – light green Sapphire – blue Opal – blue and green and white Topaz – orangish yellow Turquoise – light blue

Each birthstone has a special meaning. To find out, do each math problem, put your answer on the line next to each gem and then find the answer in the list on the right.

18 9 11 2 8 16

- 16 = - 6 = - 10 = +4 = +2 = - 4 =

Cut

The most common cut is known as the “brilliant.” This has 58 facets or surfaces and the light reflected in the surfaces splits into the colors of the rainbow.

Color

Most diamonds contain some color and the most common are shades of yellow or blue.

A colorless diamond is both rare and expensive.

A carat is a measurement of weight. 142 carats make one ounce. A diamond that weighs a full carat is worth more than one that weighs slightly less.

A completely clear diamond is said to be flawless but that is rare and most diamonds have spots or bubbles.

Turquoise

Garnet Amethyst Aquamarine Diamond Emerald Pearl

They are valued by their cut, color, carat and clarity.

Clarity

Peridot

= = = = = =

Diamonds are the hardest natural materials known and they are the most popular of all the gemstones for jewelry because of their brilliance.

They can only be scratched by another diamond.

Carat

Standards Link: Math: Measure time using calendars. Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

Opal

13 7 4 4 15 16

The Four Cs

Ruby Peridot Sapphire Opal Topaz Turquoise

Help the spaceship reach the planet.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Good thinking Contentment Married happiness Dependability Sincerity Hope Courage Innocence Love Loyalty Health Success

Look through the newspaper for words that attract you to read more.

The words could be used to attract you to an ad or a story. Can you find five? Use these words to write a story.

Standards Link: Vocabulary Development: Recognize words and phrases that show rather than tell events.

ANSWER: B & C.

Standards Link: Research: Locate information through interview and investigation.

AQUAMARINE GARNET AMETHYST B I R G A R N E T S A P E R I D O T U D DIAMOND M T R H S E T O R I EMERALD E N I R A M A U Q A PEARL T Y H N L E E Z U M RUBY H B P E A R L A O O PERIDOT Y U P S P A Q P I N SAPPHIRE S R A U O L I O S D OPAL T M S N O D A T E T TOPAZ TURQUOISE Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recongized identical

Standards Link: Visual Discrimination: Identify similarities and differences in common objects.

Complete the grid by using all the letters in the word STONE in each vertical and horizontal row. Each letter should only be used once in each row.

Some spaces have been filled in for you.

words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

More at facebook.com/RiddleRhymes

Fact and Opinion

D Diamonds and a Gems

A newspaper publishes both facts and opinions. Look through the newspaper fo three examples of each. Discuss with a parent how you can tell the difference.

ANSWER: A diamond.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Distinguish between fact and opinion.

I am a brilliant because …

Finish this story.